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Jun 21, 2024 · Black Widow Spider Bite Symptoms. The black widow spider makes a venom that affects your nervous system. Some people are slightly affected by it, but others may have a serious response.
- Overview
- Identifying a Bite from a Black Widow Spider
- Treating the Black Widow Spider Bite
- Recognizing a Black Widow Spider
Most spider bites are harmless. It is sometimes difficult to tell a spider bite from another insect sting or bite, or even just a mild skin infection. Always seek medical attention if you are not sure of what caused a serious bite or sting, especially if you begin to develop symptoms. The two most common poisonous spiders found in the United States...
Recognize a bite from a black widow spider.
Black widow spiders have fangs. When bitten, two small puncture wounds are usually visible.
As the venom from the bite spreads, the area develops a target-like appearance. The fang marks are in the center, surrounded by an area of reddened skin, then another circle of red just a little further beyond the center.
The fang marks are visible immediately. Redness and swelling of the area where the bite occurred develops rapidly, usually within an hour.
Pain typically starts within the hour and can quickly spread from the site to systemic areas such as the abdomen, chest area, or back.
This is not always the case, but this is the classic description for the pattern that develops from a black widow spider bite.
The first step in treatment is to stay calm and safely identify the spider.
Wash the area with mild soap and water and use ice applications or a cold cloth to help prevent swelling.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a towel or soft and clean cloth between the skin and the ice-filled baggie or cold pack.
Elevate the area that was bitten if possible and practical.
Take an over-the-counter product to help with pain and/or inflammation such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
According to reports from poison control centers in the United States, more than 2500 incidents of black widow spider bites are reported each year in the United States. Go to an urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room.
Identify the black widow spider without disturbing it.
The unique marking of a female black widow spider is the bright red hourglass shape on the underneath part of its abdomen.
The female spider has a black and shiny body with a large and round abdomen. The body is about 1 and ½ inches in length, and the entire spider, legs and all, is more than 1 inch across.
They have fangs that are a little shorter than those of other spiders, yet still long enough to penetrate human skin.
Black widow spiders are reported to be commonly found in the southern and western regions of the United States. Other sources and statistics report frequent sightings as far west as California, all along the eastern seaboard, south to Florida, and north as far as Okanagan in BC and central Alberta in Canada.
Spot possible places where they like to live.
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Nov 9, 2023 · A black widow spider bite causes a sharp, pinprick-like pain. A dull numbness in the bite area may follow. Black widow spider venom interferes with chemicals in your nerve endings. This can produce severe pain, stiffness and muscle spasms throughout your body, including your belly (abdomen), shoulders, chest and back.
Jul 27, 2023 · The black widow spider rarely bites people, but when it does, its venom can cause an unpleasant reaction. It is not usually fatal, but it can be dangerous to children, older people, and...
- Foram Mehta
Learn how to identify black widow spiders, where they live, and how to avoid their venomous bites. Find out what to do if you get bitten, from home remedies to when to seek medical help.
Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a black widow spider bite. Find out how to recognize the spider, where to look for it, and when to seek medical help.
Jul 30, 2019 · Learn how to recognize and treat a black widow spider bite, which can cause severe pain, muscle spasms, and high blood pressure. Find out how to avoid these venomous spiders and when to seek medical attention.
