Within eight hours, a pustule will develop. This infected area can enlarge to the size of a silver dollar. It will become ulcerated and sunken. In rare instances, the reaction could become systemic after 12 hours. A systemic reaction is characterized by fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Children are most prone to systemic reactions.
If the spider can be found, it should be collected and taken with the patient to the doctor. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednizone, along with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections in the lesion. Lesions may take months to heal. Control of the brown recluse spider is critical. The services of a professional pest control service should be enlisted if a severe infestation is in the house because of the medical importance of this spider.