Spider bites can range from harmless to serious depending on the spider and how your body reacts. While many bites heal on their own, others can worsen if not properly monitored. Knowing what to expect in the days and weeks after a spider bite—and how to care for it—can make a huge difference in recovery.
Here’s a detailed day-by-day guide to help you understand the healing process and recognize when it’s time to seek medical attention.
Spider Bite After 24 Hours
In the first 24 hours after being bitten, you might notice mild symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching. The bite may feel slightly tender but shouldn’t be severely painful.
Normal signs:
- Red bump
- Mild swelling
- Itching or slight burning sensation
What you should do:
- Clean the area gently with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Watch for symptoms like severe pain, rapid swelling, or difficulty breathing, as these may signal an allergic reaction.
Spider Bite After 2 Days
By the second day, minor bites may start to calm down, but for some people, swelling or bruising might become more noticeable.
Possible signs:
- Increase in redness
- A small blister may form
- Skin around the bite may feel warm
If the bite is growing rapidly, becoming extremely painful, or if you develop a fever, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. Some venomous bites (like those from a brown recluse) can start causing tissue damage around this time.
Spider Bite After 3 Days
On day three, most non-dangerous spider bites should begin showing signs of improvement. Redness and swelling should stabilize or start to lessen.
However, if you notice any of the following, it’s a warning sign:
- Development of a dark or blue area around the bite
- Formation of an open wound or ulcer
- Pus or severe tenderness
This could suggest an infection or necrosis (tissue death) in serious cases.
Spider Bite After 4 Days
By the fourth day, a simple spider bite should be much less painful and the swelling should have reduced. If the bite still appears very red, swollen, or has started leaking pus, it may have become infected.
Continue cleaning the area daily, keeping it dry and protected, and avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections.
Spider Bite After 5 Days
After five days, the site of a normal spider bite should be clearly healing. You might see a small scab or a slight discoloration.
If you experience spreading redness, increasing pain, or fever, it could indicate a bacterial infection like cellulitis, which requires antibiotics.
Spider Bite After a Week
After a full week, most spider bites should look much better—just a faint mark or slight tenderness might remain.
However, if the wound is still open, growing, or looks worse than before, it’s time to see a doctor. Some spider bites, especially from venomous species, can take longer to heal and may need professional treatment to avoid complications.
Spider Bite After 2 Weeks
Two weeks after a spider bite, most minor bites are completely healed or very close.
Normal signs:
- Faded mark
- Light scar or skin discoloration
- Slight sensitivity when touched
If the wound is still raw, open, or painful, it could mean that deeper tissue was affected. Scarring, pigmentation changes, or even small holes in the skin can happen after bites from spiders like the brown recluse.
Spider Bite After 6 Weeks
If six weeks have passed and the bite has not fully healed, it may be a sign of a chronic wound.
Possible issues:
- Deep scarring
- Persistent wound or ulcer
- Skin grafting may be required in extreme cases
Some patients may need specialized wound care or a dermatologist’s help to treat long-term effects.
Spider Bite Aftercare: Best Practices
Caring for a spider bite correctly from the start can prevent many complications.
Here’s what you should always do:
- Clean the Bite: Wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
- Apply Ice: Helps to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Monitor Symptoms: Take pictures daily to track changes.
- Use Antibiotic Ointment: Apply if the skin breaks to prevent infections.
- Keep it Elevated: Especially if the bite is on an arm or leg, to reduce swelling.
When to See a Doctor:
- Severe pain or spreading redness
- Fever or chills
- Blistering, necrosis, or ulcers
- Difficulty breathing or dizziness
For confirmed bites from venomous spiders like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Conclusion
Spider bites often heal without medical treatment, but it’s important to watch how they progress. Knowing what’s normal at 24 hours, 2 days, a week, or even 6 weeks later helps you stay informed and act quickly if things get worse. When in doubt, it’s always safer to seek professional advice—especially when dealing with something as unpredictable as a spider bite.
Stay safe, and remember: fast care means faster healing!
