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What Causes Purple Swelling After A Spider Bite?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jun 2014
Question: 5 days ago I was at the er for a brown recluse spider bite. the er gave me doxycycline and its painful, swollen, and purple. should I be worried? what else can I expect. how much longer for it to heal? it's on my wrist
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Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
a week maybe

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to HCM.

The purple swelling is mostly due to inflammation or hematoma formation there following the bite.

It should resolve in a week's time. For faster healing you can take any painkiller for its antiinflammatory action.

There is nothing to worry about and there should not be any further complications.

The swelling might turn black before disappearing and the area may remain dark for a few weeks more before returning to its normal color.

Hope I have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr.Deepika Patil
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepika Patil

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 745 Questions

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What Causes Purple Swelling After A Spider Bite?

Brief Answer: a week maybe Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to HCM. The purple swelling is mostly due to inflammation or hematoma formation there following the bite. It should resolve in a week's time. For faster healing you can take any painkiller for its antiinflammatory action. There is nothing to worry about and there should not be any further complications. The swelling might turn black before disappearing and the area may remain dark for a few weeks more before returning to its normal color. Hope I have been helpful. Regards, Dr.Deepika Patil