The abdominal pain often mimics pancreatitis or ulcer pain. Brown recluse bites are tender, red, swollen, and form blisters. Brown recluse bites cause local swelling, pain, itching, redness, tenderness, blisters, and eventually formation of a large ulcer. Fever, chills, rash, nausea and vomiting may develop. More severe reactions include kidney failure, blood coagulation abnormalities, and difficulty breathing.
Death can occur.
Symptoms of allergic reaction may be present. Apply cool compresses. Antibiotics are not helpful. Do not cut into the wound or apply suction. Antivenom therapy is available for black widow bites.