A black widow spider is known to cause complications after a bite. The spider is characterized by its long legs, shiny, coal-black appearance with a red, orange or yellow hourglass shape on their underside.
These spiders are usually found in low-lying webs in barbeque grills, garages, wood piles and areas near swimming pools. Most black widow spider bites occur in rural and suburban areas. These spiders are likely to bite as a defensive manner if their webs are disturbed. Remember that bites to infants and children are more serious than bites on adults.
Indications of a black widow spider bite
In most instances of a bite, the symptoms usually include the following:
- Minor to piercing pain that is trailed by puffiness and reddening at the bite site
- One or two small fang marks that are the same as miniature red spots
In some instances, the severe symptoms manifest within 30-60 minutes which includes the following:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps and spasms that start close to the bite site and radiate and increase in severity within 6-12 hours.
- Sweating
- Headache
- Intense back, abdominal or chest pain
- Stupor, restlessness or shock
- Severe high blood pressure
What should I do?
If an individual is suspected with a bite from a black widow spider, the following should be done:
- Seek immediate medical care.
- Try to keep the individual calm since too much excitement or movement increases the flow of venom into the blood.
- Apply an ice pack on the bite site
- Avoid using a tourniquet since it can cause more harm.
Management
There is a medication that can counteract the black widow spider venom. It is usually utilized if the individual has difficulty breathing or high blood pressure or if pregnant.
- Medications for pain and muscle spasms can be given if severe. These medications include benzodiazepines or narcotics.
- Antihypertension medications to control high blood pressure.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on a black widow spider bite is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage insect bites including a bite from a black widow spider, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.