Spiders
Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
Medical treatment is NOT always required following a bite from a Redback Spider. Many bites will only cause a local reaction including pain, redness, swelling and heat. The treatment for these symptoms is to wash the bite area with soap and water, apply a cold pack and take a simple analgesic such as paracetamol. Application of a pressure bandage will not help; it may make the pain worse.
Medical attention is required for anyone with significant:
- pain not relieved by a cold pack and a simple analgesic such as paracetamol
- pain spreading from the bite area
- swollen or painful glands in the affected limb
(armpits for bites on the arm or hand, groin for bites on the foot or leg)
- sweating all over the body, or only in patches
- shivering
- tremors
- stomach upset - nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
- increased heart rate
- headache
- pins and needles in hands or feet
- secondary tissue infection