Spider bite

A wound caused when a spider’s fangs pierce skin, sometimes injecting venom. Most suspected spider bites are mild, and many skin lesions attributed to spiders have other causes.

Spider fang: A pointed mouthpart that spiders use to pierce prey or, rarely, human skin. Fangs create the puncture wound and can deliver venom during a bite.
Black widow spider: A group of venomous spiders in the genus Latrodectus, recognized by females’ dark bodies and often red markings. Its venom can cause severe muscle pain and spasms known as latrodectism.
First aid: Immediate basic care given for illness or injury before or alongside professional medical treatment. Cleaning and cooling the area can ease symptoms while limiting further irritation.
Tick bite: A skin injury caused when a tick attaches and feeds on blood. Tick attachment is often mistaken for a spider bite and can transmit infections.
Spider venom: A mixture of biologically active substances produced by spiders, usually for subduing prey. Venom accounts for the systemic or local effects of some bites.
Brown recluse spider: A venomous North American spider in the genus Loxosceles, associated with occasional necrotic skin injury. Its bite is a well-known but often overdiagnosed cause of suspected skin necrosis.
Antivenom: An antibody-based medicine that neutralizes toxins from venomous animals. Specific antivenoms are available for some severe spider envenomations.
Bed bug bite: A skin reaction caused by a bed bug feeding on human blood. Its itchy marks can resemble minor spider bites despite a different cause.
Envenomation: The injection of venom into a person or animal through a bite or sting. A spider bite becomes an envenomation only when venom is injected.
Sydney funnel-web spider: A group of venomous Australian spiders, including species capable of causing severe envenomation. Its bites can cause rapidly progressing, life-threatening neurotoxic symptoms.

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