A spider bite typically looks like a red, swollen bump on the skin that may be itchy or painful, similar to other insect bites

. Common signs include:

• Two tiny puncture marks close together, caused by the spider’s fangs

• Redness and swelling around the bite site, which can appear within minutes to hours and last several days

• Mild pain or a stinging/burning sensation, sometimes compared to a bee sting

• Itching or irritation, which can vary depending on individual sensitivity

In some cases, especially with venomous spiders like the brown recluse or black widow, the bite may cause more severe symptoms:

• A blister with a red or bruised area around it, sometimes resembling a bullseye pattern

• Necrotic wounds or ulcers that can develop if the venom causes tissue death, particularly from brown recluse bites. These may appear as white blisters or discolored sores and can take months to heal

• Systemic symptoms such as muscle pain, cramps, fever, sweating, nausea, or headache may accompany venomous bites

• Difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat can indicate an allergic reaction and require emergency care

Most spider bites are harmless and resolve on their own with mild symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching

. However, bites that worsen, develop ulcers, or cause systemic symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. In summary, a typical spider bite looks like a red, swollen bump with two small puncture marks, possible itching or mild pain, and sometimes blistering or ulceration with more dangerous species