C.G. asks from Fort Worth, TX on August 17, 2008
Possible Spider Bite??
I think i might have been bitten by a spider i am not sure what it is? It had a white head on it and is red, puffy, hot and sore does anyone know what this is or what i should do?
So What Happened?™
Thanks for all the responses i really appreciate them all. I went to my doctor today and she told me that it is a possible staph infection and that since it has not popped on its own i should wait till it does. She did give me medication. She said since i had done so on my own that was a bad idea. Which cause the infection to spread causing the redness around my entire shoulder and arm. So i will keep people updated on to what happens next with this sore. I am suppose to go back next week to see if there is anything else i can do. Again thank you all for your responses.
Featured Answers
T.T. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
My daughter had a couple of these on her legs a while back. They did not seem to improve and looked similar to what you decribed, so I took her to the doctor. They ended up being a skin infection, following some type of bite. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and said to place a warm wet washcloth on the area I think 3-4 times daily until it really came to a head. She said at that point we could pop it...yuck. They never really did this, so we did not pop them, but they did go away fairly quickly thereafter.
More Answers
T.T. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
My daughter had a couple of these on her legs a while back. They did not seem to improve and looked similar to what you decribed, so I took her to the doctor. They ended up being a skin infection, following some type of bite. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and said to place a warm wet washcloth on the area I think 3-4 times daily until it really came to a head. She said at that point we could pop it...yuck. They never really did this, so we did not pop them, but they did go away fairly quickly thereafter.
M.D. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
I'm going to chime in and tell you to contact your doctor. I was watching Dr. G Medical Examiner on TV the other day and she said most people mistakenly think MRSA infections are spider bites.
M.M. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
I had what I thought was a spider bite on my chest last winter. I displayed the same symptoms as you. Over the next 24-48 hours the redness and puffiness increased so I went to the doctor and it was staph. I have no idea where I got it from, it was after shopping the day after Thanksgiving so I am sure I picked it up from somewhere. I had never had it before so I was clueless. The good thing is that it wasn't MRSA. I would have it checked out just to make sure.
N.S. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
Unless you know for sure that a spider did bite you, if the redness and soreness isn't gone in 24-48 hours, I would check with the doctor. That is exactly what I thought when my son had a very bad staph infection. Only a doctor can tell you for sure when they do lab work. It doesn't hurt to call them and ask what to do. Red, puffy, hot and sore isn't good.
J.A. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
I'm going through this right now with my 2 kids. I thought they had spider bites too. They took a blood test last week and it's the MRSA staph infection. Have it checked out right away just in case.
C.J. answers from Dallas on August 17, 2008
If it is a small bite then it sounds like an ant bit. You could have been bit several times in the same area that caused it to get even bigger. My son got bit by something not sure what it was the spot was big, swollen, red and hard. When we took him in they said he was just allegric to whatever bit him. You should worry about staph infection if is hot, red, swollen, the redness is getting bigger each day, and if you are running a fever. That is what they told me to look for, but better call your doctor just in case.
T.Z. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
This sounds strange, but it works...mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and put in on it. You have to mix and reapply often but some how it draws the poison out...takes several days...it will finally go away and you won't scar. This is one of those great grandmother tricks. :)
H.D. answers from Dallas on August 18, 2008
It could be a spider or ant, but it also could be a MRSA (antibiotic resistant staph) infection. I would keep a close eye on it and see a Dr. if it is not getting better soon. hd
Email