Bastard spider bite - is this normal???

[Ginandcolic]

Hello and a Happy New Year!

I need advice on a spider bite. The fucker bit me on my neck (just below the hairline) two days ago. It was a false widow if that makes any difference.

For most of the 31st, it felt like a wasp sting, I took Benadryl and ibuprofen and it was OKish ie not too painful or itchy.

Yesterday, I didn't need to take anything as it was a bit annoying but not unbearably so.

About 5am this morning, I woke up because it was so itchy so I took more Benadryl, used H45 cream but couldn't really get back to sleep because it was so bloody infuriating.

It has since started to feel like it's burning and the sensation has spread down my neck to my collar bone although it doesn't look inflamed - no rash, no visible, redness - but it's driving me insane. I have taken more Benadryl and that has helped a bit but my neck is still itchy and burny.

Do I just need to suck it up for a few more days?

I suspect I might be being neurotic about it as, if it were a wasp sting, I probably wouldn't be this bothered but in my mind, the spider has now turned into Shelob from Lord of the Rings and may have injected me with pure evil.

Thanks for indulging me

X

I have no idea, I would think a burning sensation means you should go and get checked out. I would. Are you anywhere near Liverpool or London? There are experts in tropical medicine in those parts, might be worth checking if it was really a false widow. Not to alarm you, even if it wasn't spider bites are usually nasty not fatal (unless you're in Australia or Africa obviously).

I think NHS advice is to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

I would go and get it checked out, just to be on the safe side. Wasp stings evolved to be a deterrent for animals that could cause them harm but spiders will also bite their prey to start breaking down their body tissue before eating them which is why spider bites can turn nasty (not to say that yours is going to!).
If it's spreading I'd get it checked.

I'd get checked out as you say it seems to be spreading.

I would see a doctor. Hope you're ok.

OK thanks everyone, I shall go and see if I can find a Dr...
X

I need to know how this happened!! A spider bit you? Into your neck?? How the feck did the fecker get that close? Did you kill it?

The evil fucker must have dropped onto me when I went to get something from DH's van (he's a gardener).

Then it got caught in the cowel neck of my jumper and I guess it panicked and bit.

Yes it is now a deceased spider. Fortunately, I was wearing large boots which were very effective in spider squashing.

I am really sure it was a false widow as I got a good look at it. Apparently they are not normally aggressive and tend to prefer being outside but it must have come in to DH's van with some gardening equipment.

It was truly disgusting and the worst thing was that DD was with me when it happened. She's 3 so I really had to focus on not swearing!

Thanks for all the advice. I have called OOH GP who is going to ring back within an hour.

BLEURGH. Bastard spider.

X

Ewwwwwww!!!

Sorry, meant to say: good luck!!

Thanks! I am definitely more in the "EEEEEW" camp myself at the moment. I hope we get a cold snap soon to kill off all the evil arachnid bastards.

Just so glad the fucker got me, not little DD

Go and get it checked out. MIL had a spider bite on her foot that got infected - was very nasty ☹

Thanks all for your advice. The GP called and said that it sounds like it could just be part of the immune response to the bite and she wasn't too worried as I don't have a temp ... But to keep an eye on how I feel and to call back ASAP if I start feeling under the weather at all or if I get a rash.

I am considering a large purchase of spider-eating plants. And anything else that eats the bitey bastards.

Thanks for your posts

X