Insect bites of various kinds are a common reason behind medical consultations. Some bites and stings only last for a few minutes; others may persist for days or weeks. The bites that last longer are usually due to an allergy and, naturally, they should be treated as such.
Today, we shall study a few important differences between bed bug bites and spider bites. We will also consider in brief, the different ways of treating them. Typically, an itch reliever medicine as well as a non-sleepiness causing anti histamine tablet or a combination of these may be required for treating both, bed bug bites and spider bites. Some spider bits can be fatal.
Signs and Symptoms of bed bug bites
Bed bug bites typically occur at night, since bed bugs prefer feeding on the sleeping hosts. Typically, bugs attack the exposed parts of the body such as arms, legs, upper neck and back. Bed bugs cannot jump or fly; so the bites are usually present in a linear pattern in groups of three or four. Signs of bed bug bites are:
- Red swollen weals around the site of bite
- Bitten areas can be itchy, or sometimes painful.
- Scratching the bites, especially in children, can lead to pus-filled blisters.
For treating and preventing bed bug bites on human skin:
- Wash the skin with a mild soap and warm water
- Apply an over-the-counter topical antimicrobial cream or lotion to prevent infection
- If fever or red angry rash is present, seek prompt medical attention.
Prevention is the best cure when it comes to treating bed bug bites. You must not hesitate in enlisting the services of a professional pest control company, especially if the infestations are widespread. Other preventive measures include wearing clothes which cover all body parts well: tucked-in shirts, long-sleeved clothing and gloves are ideal for this purpose. You can also use insect repellents (however, most typically last only for eight hours).
Signs and Symptoms of spider bites
Some Spider bites can be outright dangerous: the Black Widow spider bites are often painless but they can lead to severe nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and seizures. There may be a sudden drop in blood pressure. It is important to seek medical attention if this happens. An anti venom injection must be taken.
In many mid western and southern states, Brown Recluse spider bites have been reported. These can also be deadly and can lead to serious wounds and infections. Signs and symptoms include: reddish whiteness of the skin followed by “Bull’s eye” blisters. An anti venom injection must be taken promptly.
In short; the signs and symptoms of common spider bites are:
- Local/systemic toxicity known as Arachnidism
- Increasing pain at the bite site
- Colicky/abdominal cramps
- Sweating
- Paralysis
Other spider bites can lead to localized pain, swelling, erythema and, in some cases, necrosis in the bitten region.
Summary of bed bug bites vs spider bites
| Bed Bug Bites | Spider Bites |
| Typically occur at night | Can occur any time of the day |
| Bed bugs reside near the sleeping areas of hosts | Spiders hide in closets, attics, in gardens etc |
| Appear in groups of three or four in linear patterns on neck, arms, back and torso | A single swollen bite is present in case of most spider bites. The black widow spider leaves two fang-like insertions or red marks. Bites are usually seen on arms, legs, fingers etc |
| Bed bug Bites are typically itchy | Spider Bites are typically very painful |
| Bed bug bites do not lead to any gastrointestinal distress | Some spider bites cause vomiting, abdominal cramping, paralysis etc |
| Local or over the counter hydrocortisone creams, oral anti histamines and/or soothing herbal skin lotions can be used for treating and healing bed bug bites | Anti-venom injections may be required depending on the type of spider. If the swelling is increasing rapidly, oral/topical antibiotics may be required. |
