How To Treat Insect & Spider Bites

Apply Antibiotic Cream

To help insect and spider bites heal more quickly, it may be useful to apply an antibiotic cream. Many of these creams are available over-the-counter, and doctors can also prescribe stronger versions. Patients should wash their hands prior to applying the cream, and using a cotton ball or cotton bud to apply it is less messy and carries less risk of infection than applying it with the fingers. The tip of the tube that holds the cream should never be touched to the affected area as this could cause contamination. Patients should always follow the directions on the back of the tube for appropriate dosing. The majority of antibiotic creams can be applied up to four times a day, and patients may need to continue applying these for up to a week. If the antibiotic cream does not seem to work or if patients develop any new or worsening symptoms, they should consult their healthcare provider.

Seek Medical Attention

Some bites may lead to an allergic reaction, and it is important to seek medical attention in these cases. Allergic reactions to insect and spider bites can occur even in patients who have never had reactions to bites before, and everyone who has an insect or spider bite should be monitored at home for potential indications of an adverse reaction. Patients who have swelling of the eyes or lips, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, hives, confusion, or dizziness should receive urgent medical care, and doctors recommend that all children bitten by scorpions receive a medical evaluation. In addition, anyone who develops a fever or chills after a bite should seek prompt medical care. Patients who have a scab or infection at the site of their insect bite that does not improve after forty-eight hours of home treatment are advised to schedule an office visit with their healthcare team.