Insect bite (Poisonous spider)

If you suspect that you have been bitten by a poisonous insect, consult with a poison control center in order to report your symptoms and get some expert advice. 

In the USA, The National Capital Poison Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. Alternatively, look for a poison center close to you at The American Association of Poison Control Centers' database.

If you reside outside the USA, use the assistance of a local poison control center found in the World Health Organization's database.

Although most insect bites are not dangerous, some may still cause allergic reactions or be poisonous. Therefore, in case you experience one or more of the following conditions, contact your doctor right away:

• Difficulty in breathing;
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
• Fast, irregular heart rate;
• Dizziness or feeling faint;
• Difficulty in swallowing;
• Severe muscle spasms;
• Abdominal cramps;
• Bitten by a poisonous spider;
• Bitten by a scorpion;
• Does not get better;
• Hives

First, know that most spider bites aren't from dangerous spiders. What is even more surprising, many bites, which are thought to be of spiders are actually insect bites. That is why you should stay calm if the bite is not poisonous.

If you suspect, however, that you got bitten by a poisonous spider, you need to take a look at the attacker again and try to identify it to proceed. Although identification, which is necessary for the most adequate spider bite treatment, is not always possible, knowing by what species of spider you were bitten can be helpful to your doctor to choose a treatment.

Therefore, try to save the spider, even if you've already squashed it. Put it in some bottle and you can also add rubbing alcohol to preserve it.

Although having the actual specimen that bit you could help medical professionals with giving you the best possible treatment, it's not always feasible to catch poisonous or aggressive insects. So, make a few photos of the specimen instead.