Spider bites - should I seek treatment?

GMA · #1 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 08:47 AM

Two weeks ago I was bitten three times by a small orangey translucent spider which had dropped inside my shirt. It was in the food hall at M&s so there is a chance it is not British and had hitched a ride in with some fruit/veg.
I wasn't too perturbed but the itching continued and the bite sites are still red and raised. The one on my stomach in particular has now tripled in size and has raised dark brown welts.
I have been unable to identify it - the nearest I can get is a woodlouse spider but it didnt have a whitish body. It was more of a light brown/orange colour with short translucent legs. I only glanced at it for a second or two so cant give a more detailed description Im afraid.
Should I be worried? I am loathe to bother my GP with something trivial.
Has anyone experienced spider bites like this and any suggestions for identifying the culprit?

John_M · #2 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 09:28 AM

I think it's unlikely that you need treatment for the actual bites after 2 weeks, but it sounds as though there may be a secondary infection of the lesions. If you are at all concerned, it's better to get an opinion from someone who is medically competent.
As for the spider, how small is small?
Most spider bites are insignificant; to be bitten 3 times by a spider on one occasion is pretty unlucky!

No.9 Spider · #3 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 09:59 AM

As John says, spider bites though rare, can often cause more symptoms from secondary infection, you never know where the spider's been and what it's been eating!
It's unfortunate you didn't catch it, but there's no problem in approaching your GP just to be on the safe side, and treating it with antibiotics or cream. It'll also help psychologically should you start experiencing/imagining other ailments

.

No.9 Spider

STYRBJORN · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 10:20 AM

Try an antihistamine cream.

Ric

GMA · #5 (**permalink**) 17-09-2010, 05:48 PM

Eventually visited GP and on antibiotics. Thanks for your advice. Customer services at the well known store where it dropped down my shirt, kindly checked their list of spiders that sometimes arrive with their flowers etc and are sending fumigators to check the ceilings in the store just in case there is a nest up there. Feel sorry for the spiders as they have just found a nice warm home after travelling thousands of miles. Next time I'll wear a polo neck sweater and only buy British grown flowers!

STYRBJORN · #6 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 11:35 AM

[quote=GMA;678447]Eventually visited GP and on antibiotics. Thanks for your advice. Customer services at the well known store where it dropped down my shirt, kindly checked their list of spiders that sometimes arrive with their flowers etc and are sending fumigators to check the ceilings in the store just in case there is a nest up there. Feel sorry for the spiders as they have just found a nice warm home after travelling thousands of miles. Next time I'll wear a polo neck sweater and only buy British grown flowers![/QUOTE]

And get bitten by a wolf spider . . .

Ric