Are these serious spider bites

[JaneH1963]

I have a series of insect-looking bites on the back of my knee.  They have been there for over a week and are quite itchy.  Each bite has a central ***** mark, like a beesting, and is swollen like a big misquito bite.  The skin on top of each bite is dry and flaky (new today) and the skin around the cluster of bites is getting dark, like a slight bruise.  I suspect that I was bitten by a spider while asleep.  There was never any pain or stinging, just a lot of itching.  I can live with the itching, but the flaking and discoloration are new and a little worrisome.  What should I do?

[van33]

you should get it checked out by a doctor. What I've been hearing on TV is that the majority of what people think are mystery spider bites are in fact not. They are generally skin infections some minor some quite serious if not caught right away.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? When an insect bites, it injects formic acid which can cause an immediate skin reaction  resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area. The sting from fire ants, bees, wasps and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate anaphylaxis for some patients.  While bites from mosquitoes, fleas and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

Are there other signs or symptoms present?  If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further by your doctor. Try to avoid scratching the lesion to prevent secondary infection. Take care and regards.

[kitty202]

Hello,


i have a wierd one here and you medical dr. I have a red spot on my legs like a misquito bite.and it has 5 brownish blackish holes l looed at them and they looked carved but i wasnt near anything sharp or didnt fall.whats also wierd it theres 3 on top and 2 on bottom but the are alined the bottom two are under the space where the top there ARENT  cover so the are like a domino.... can you help it stings burns itches and ECT...?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

If bitten by a spider, clean the site well with soap and water. A cold compress over the spider bite location may be applied. Are there other signs or symptoms present? Aspirin or acetaminophen may give relief.

Two kinds of spider are dangerous to humans: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. The symptoms of these spider bites are usually chills, fever, nausea, severe abdominal pain or  fluid-filled blister that leads to ulcer formation. Over-the-counter antihistamine medications may help with the itching. But if the symptoms persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further by your doctor for proper management.

Take care and regards.