What is the first line treatment for a brown recluse spider bite?

The first line treatment for a brown recluse spider bite typically involves the use of NSAIDs and dapsone. Brown recluse bites can lead to necrotic wounds and systemic effects. While managing pain and inflammation is important, dapsone is particularly valuable due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to mitigate the progression of the necrotic process.

Dapsone can help in reducing the inflammatory response and should be administered in cases where significant tissue destruction is present. Additionally, NSAIDs are used to alleviate pain and inflammation, making this combination an effective initial approach in managing the complications associated with a brown recluse spider bite.

Other options such as antibiotics, topical antiseptics, and cold compresses may play supportive or adjunctive roles in managing secondary infections, cleansing the wound, or providing symptomatic relief. However, they do not address the underlying pathophysiology of the bite effectively as NSAIDs and dapsone do. Therefore, the combination of these two treatments is considered a more appropriate first-line strategy.