Health officials report more spider bites this year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People are going to the emergency room this summer with snake and spider bites.

As temperatures climb, the heat is driving spiders out of their hiding spaces and into the open -- that includes the venomous brown recluse and black widow spiders.

In the past month, Novant Health said its Emergency Department treated 11 people for spider bites.

Typically, they only receive a handful every year.

Dr. Genevieve Brauning said because spider venom takes a few hours or days to work through a person’s system it’s important to keep checking for soreness, swelling or pain.

“It's often several days after -- or even a week to 10 days -- before the initial spider bite,” Brauning said.

Brauning said she's been bitten twice this summer, likely by a brown recluse spider.

"Over the next few days, it was pretty clear they weren't mosquito bites," she said.

Brauning said there not much a person can do right after a spider bites. She recommended putting ice on it and antihistamine cream.

As soon as a person show any signs of discomfort, she said go to the doctor. She said watch for swelling, pain and if the bite has a white or black patch in the middle. To protect yourself, she said wear long sleeves and pants and shake outdoor boots or gloves, where spiders like like to hide.

Here are 5 things to know if you experience a spider bite – information from the Mayo Clinic. Click here for more information.

To take care of a spider bite:

Clean the wound. Use mild soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Apply a cool compress. Use a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice. If the bite is on an arm or leg, elevate it.
Use over-the-counter medications like a pain reliever or an antihistamine.

When to seek medical care