For most spider bites, mild soap and water followed by an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is the best immediate treatment. The vast majority of spider bites are harmless and can be fully managed at home with a few simple supplies you probably already have.
Clean the Bite First
Before you put anything on a spider bite, wash it with mild soap and warm water. This is the single most important step because it removes bacteria that could cause an infection. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Skip rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate broken skin and slow healing.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like the kind sold under store-brand “triple antibiotic” labels) directly to the bite. Reapply three times a day to keep the area protected from infection. You can cover the bite loosely with a bandage between applications to keep dirt out, especially if the bite is in a spot that rubs against clothing.
Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
A cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a cloth helps bring down swelling and numbs the pain. Apply it for about 10 minutes at a time, then remove it for 10 minutes before reapplying. Never place ice directly on skin, as it can cause frostbite. If the bite is on an arm or leg, keeping the limb elevated also helps fluid drain away from the area.
Treat Itching With Hydrocortisone Cream
If the bite itches, a 1% hydrocortisone cream is the go-to option. It’s available without a prescription and is specifically labeled for relief from insect bites. For adults and children 12 and older, apply it to the bite up to 3 to 4 times daily. Don’t use hydrocortisone and antibiotic ointment at the exact same time on the same spot. Instead, alternate: antibiotic ointment after cleaning, hydrocortisone when itching flares up between applications.
An oral antihistamine (like diphenhydramine or cetirizine) can also help if the itching is widespread or keeping you up at night. Diphenhydramine causes drowsiness, which can actually be useful at bedtime but isn’t ideal during the day.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can take the edge off pain and help reduce inflammation around the bite. Ibuprofen is the better choice if swelling is your main concern, since it has anti-inflammatory properties that acetaminophen lacks.
What Not to Put on a Spider Bite
Avoid a few things that are either useless or actively harmful:
- Suction devices or your mouth. Trying to “suck out” venom doesn’t work. Spider venom absorbs into tissue almost immediately.
- Baking soda paste, toothpaste, or essential oils. None of these have evidence behind them, and some can irritate the wound.
- Tourniquets or tight bandages. Restricting blood flow doesn’t help and can damage tissue.
- Scratching. Breaking the skin with your nails introduces bacteria and dramatically increases infection risk.
What Normal Healing Looks Like
Most spider bites from common household spiders produce a small red bump similar to a mosquito bite. You might notice mild pain, slight swelling, and itching for a few days. The redness should gradually shrink, not expand. Within a week or two, the bite typically fades completely without any special treatment beyond the basics above.
Keep an eye on the bite over the next several days. It’s normal for it to be a little red and tender at first, but the symptoms should be improving, not worsening, after the first 24 to 48 hours.
Signs the Bite Needs Medical Attention
Most spider bites are no big deal, but a small number require professional care. Get to a doctor or emergency room if you notice any of the following:
- Expanding redness or a darkening center. A bite that grows into a larger wound or develops a purple or black center could indicate a brown recluse bite, which can cause tissue damage.
- Fever, chills, or dizziness. These suggest your body is reacting systemically to the venom, not just locally at the bite site.
- Nausea or vomiting. This is a hallmark of a more serious envenomation, particularly from a black widow.
- Signs of infection. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, cloudy drainage, or pain that gets worse instead of better after a couple of days.
Brown recluse bites are notoriously hard to identify because you often don’t feel the bite when it happens. Pain and visible changes can take hours to develop. If you saw the spider, try to capture it (even a photo helps) so a healthcare provider can confirm what you’re dealing with. There’s no lab test that can identify a brown recluse bite on its own.
If the bite breaks open into a wound or shows signs of infection, you may need prescription antibiotics. Your doctor may also check whether you’re due for a tetanus booster, particularly if the wound is dirty or deep and your last shot was more than 5 years ago.