How to Treat Spider Bites at Home
Unfortunately, it is only in comic books when people get by spiders and other critters, people turn in to superheroes
Spiders come in many different varieties, and each one has different levels of venom. Species such as tarantula, hobo, black widow, brown recluse are some of the more poisonous types. If you get bit by a spider, then the best thing to do is to see a doctor. However, if a physician is not available immediately, then there are ways to treat spider bites at home to help lessen the effects of the bite, such as pain, itching, swelling, and infection. The following are some popular home remedies you can do to treat spider bites.
As soon as you notice that a spider has bitten you, there are a few first-remedies you should do, such as;
- Washing the area that has been bitten with cold water and soap
- Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl can be used on the bite
- Apply a bandage to the bite. You can also apply another bandage below the area that has been bitten to help prevent the poison from spreading
Apply Baking Soda
Backing soda AKA sodium bicarbonate is a popular ingredient in baking.
Interestingly, it can be used as a home remedy for spider bites as well. Baking soda acts as a sort of an anesthetic; hence it can reduce the pain and itching. The first thing that needs to do is to make a paste. The ideal ratio of water and baking soda is 1:3. Mix the two until it turns into a paste. Apply it to the bite and let it sit there for about five minutes and wash it off. Ideally, this should be done several times throughout the day.
Turmeric
Another food-based home remedy for spider bites is Turmeric. Turmeric is a root that belongs in the ginger family, used to flavor food, and has become quite common in people’s kitchens. Apart from giving food flavor, turmeric is also a potent anti-inflammatory. It is filled with compounds that fight all sorts of toxins. Hence, it is no surprise that in many countries, ’ turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. For spider bites, take a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with some olive oil to create a paste. Apply it on the bite and let it sit there for an hour or so. Do this several times a day, and you will see the inflammation and pain get reduced.
Potato
Who would’ve thought the humble potato you have in your kitchen could help with spider bites?! However, potatoes contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help with insect bites. You can either take a slice of potato and attach it to the bite with a bandage or grate it into fibers and use it in the bandage.
Aloe Vera
Like turmeric, aloe vera is known to be a remedy for skin related problems for a long time. Therefore, for some of you, it may come as no surprise that aloe vera has made it to this list. The leaves of the aloe vera are thick and contain a gel-like substance that is filled with fatty acids, minerals, and other healing compounds. The best way to use aloe vera is to take a leaf from a plant and cut it open and apply it directly to the bite. If you do not have aloe vera in your garden, then it can be bought from the store, which will come in a container such as a tube. However, the best is always taken straight from the plant.
Some Honorable Mentions
So far, we have looked at remedies that are based on natural products. However, there are a few things that can be done that are not medicinal to help with spider bites.
Keep it Elevated: If you have been bitten on the legs of feet, then as much as possible, it is better to keep your legs elevated. Elevation is most effective if you get bit by a black widow or brown recluse spider.
Don’t Scratch: With spider bites, it will be very tempting to scratch the area that has been bitten. This will only make things worse. This is true of many other bites and skin related irritation. The more you itch, the redder it will get, and increase the chance of infections.
Seek medical attention.
