A five-year-old girl developed a severe rash after what doctors believe was a bite from a noble false widow spider.
Lily Hodgson first complained that her ankle hurt and that she was struggling to walk. Later that day, her face began to itch. Her parents assumed it was a food allergy and gave her antihistamines.
During the night, her mother noticed Lily felt unusually hot. When she turned on the light, she saw her daughter covered in a rash from head to toe. The itching worsened over the next 24 hours, and Lily refused to put weight on her ankle.
The following morning, her mother took her to a local pharmacy. The pharmacist suspected a bite reaction rather than an allergy and advised urgent medical review. An on-call clinician later examined Lily and identified the reaction as consistent with a false widow spider bite.
The noble false widow, known scientifically as Steatoda nobilis, is often described as one of the more concerning spider species found in the UK. While bites are uncommon and rarely serious, some people can develop strong skin reactions.
Lily’s rash cleared within four days. Her mother now urges parents not to ignore unusual rashes, especially if they spread quickly or are linked to pain or swelling.
Health professionals advise seeking medical advice for severe or rapidly developing skin reactions. Early assessment can help rule out infection or allergic responses and ensure proper treatment.