Chilean Recluse spider bite

March 8, 2021 4:58 AM

My son has a red ring on his knee, about 15mm in diameter, with a lighter center. I'm pretty sure it's a Chilean Recluse spider bite. Do I need to take action?

We're i staying at a relative's house and there's a lot of spiders.
He says he's had it for a few days.
It never hurt, except once at the beginning when he touched it, but not anymore.
He hasn't been sick, nauseous, had headaches, jaundice, etc. He's 13, 1.8m, average build.
He's always been healthy, no significant medical issues.
Do I need to something? Go to the E.R.?

posted by signal to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Is a telemedicine appointment an option for you? At minimum establishing contact with a doctor who can tell you what to watch for/potentially prescribe antibiotics if warranted would seem useful and low-risk.
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:17 AM on March 8, 2021 [2 favorites]

In addition to the telehealth recommendation, get a ballpoint and draw an outline around the edge of the redness on the skin. If the affected area is growing day over day you'll want to know that's happening and follow up with a doctor.
posted by mhoye at 6:01 AM on March 8, 2021 [23 favorites]

Yeah, definitely call the doctor and see what they say. Since he's not feeling any effects from it, they might just tell you to wait and see but it'll be best if you get that info from them.
posted by dawkins_7 at 6:59 AM on March 8, 2021

Response by poster: OK, I'll start with telemedicine and go from there. Thanks!
posted by signal at 7:30 AM on March 8, 2021

Depending where you are, it could also be a Lyme disease from a tick bite. Definitely worth getting it checked out.
posted by lulu68 at 2:55 PM on March 8, 2021 [7 favorites]