Most spider bites are harmless. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a spider bite and another insect bite, or even a spider bite and a minor skin infection. Always try to ask your doctor for advice if you're not sure what's causing the bite, especially if you start experiencing symptoms. Two of the most dangerous spiders to be found in North America are the black widow and the brown recluse. If you believe the bite was caused by a black widow spider, make sure you get medical attention immediately.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Bites of the Black Widow Spider
Step 1. Recognize the bite of the black widow spider
The black widow spider has fangs. When biting, it will leave two small holes that can usually be seen with the naked eye.
- As the poison spreads, the bite area will look like a shooting practice target. The bite mark is in the center, surrounded by reddened skin, then another red circle slightly further from the center of the bite.
- The bite marks are immediately visible. Redness and swelling in the area of the bite develops fairly quickly, usually in less than an hour.
- The pain usually begins within an hour and can spread rapidly from the site of the bite to a systemic area such as the abdomen, chest, or back.
- This reaction doesn't always occur, but it is a classic description of the pattern that usually develops after a person has been bitten by a black widow spider.
Step 2. Catch spiders if possible
The doctor will want to know what caused the bite/sting/wound. However, you should also pay attention to safety. If you manage to catch the spider safely, put it in a container that won't harm others. A small jar or plastic container with a lid and placed inside another container with a tight-fitting lid and handle, such as a drink cooler, can help you get the spider to its destination.
- You have to be careful that no one else gets hurt. If you can do it safely, catch the spider and take it to the hospital..
- Catching the spider that caused the bite will allow you to get the most effective treatment as quickly as possible. Maybe carrying around a black widow spider wasn't a wise move. If you are concerned, try to carefully take a picture of the animal that caused the bite. Make sure the picture is clear.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms
Most people who are bitten by spiders, including venomous spiders such as the black widow, do not develop serious medical problems.
- Symptoms that may occur after you are bitten by a black widow spider include severe and intense pain, stiffness, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, back pain, excessive sweating, and high blood pressure.
- Topical and systemic reactions to black widow venom can develop and spread rapidly. Seek immediate medical attention once you believe, or are reasonably certain, that you have been bitten by a black widow spider.
- Topical reactions usually include itching or a rash at the site of the bite, excessive sweating at the site of the bite, pain that radiates from the bitten area, and discoloration from the blistered skin.
- Systemic reactions include severe and intense muscle pain, pain radiating to the back and chest area, sweating, difficulty breathing, headache, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety, restlessness, and delirium.
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with the Bites of the Black Widow Spider
Step 1. Begin treatment
The first step in this treatment is to remain calm while safely identifying the spider.
- Wash the spider bitten area with mild soap and water, then apply an ice pack or cold cloth to help prevent swelling.
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a clean, soft towel or cloth between the skin and the ice pack or cold pack.
- Elevate the bitten area if possible and don't make it difficult.
- Take over-the-counter medications to help reduce pain and/or inflammation such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Make sure you follow the prescribed dosage.
Step 2. Seek medical care
According to a report released by the United States Poison Control Center, more than 2,500 people are bitten by black widows each year in America. You should immediately go to the nearest clinic or emergency unit if you experience this.
- You can contact your regular doctor and let them know about the situation. Your doctor may ask you to see him immediately or suggest which hospital you should go to. Wherever you go, let them know that you are on your way and have a black widow spider bite. This will give them enough time to get things ready.
- Don't try to drive yourself to the hospital. Spider venom can suddenly affect your response. You may be able to think clearly when you start driving, but your condition can change quickly.
- Most people do not experience a serious reaction after being bitten by a black widow spider. In fact, some people do not experience any problems and do not need medical attention.
- However, because of the possibility of severe pain, discomfort, and systemic changes, it is recommended that you contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department to ensure that you get immediate treatment as a precaution if you experience any adverse effects or serious complications.
- Tell the doctor at the clinic or hospital about all medicines or treatment steps you are getting.
- Fortunately, only three deaths have been reported over the years.
- Some cases of serious complications and deaths associated with black widow bites occur in people who already have serious health problems.
Step 3. Use an antivenom called Antivenin Latrodectus Mactans
This antitoxin has been around since the 1920s. At least one case of a serious hypersensitivity reaction has been reported in the United States, limiting its use.
- Be aware that bites can cause complications. The hospital can monitor your vital signs and changes in your condition to determine if medical attention is needed.
- An article published in 2011 discussed 4 cases of black widow spider bites. Three of the four people were treated with anti-venom and one person was not because of the possibility of hypersensitivity.
- Three people who received antivenom experienced less intense pain from the black widow's bite within a short period of time, usually 30 minutes after receiving the injection. All three remained under surveillance for several hours in the emergency room and were then released without further complications.
- People who do not receive antivenom are treated with strong drugs to reduce pain and inflammation in the emergency department before being admitted to the hospital.
- This patient was hospitalized for 2 days and started feeling better on the third day. He was discharged on the third day without further complications.
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Black Widow Spider
Step 1. Identify the black widow spider without disturbing it
A distinctive feature of the female black widow is the bright red hourglass shape on the underside of her belly.
- The female spider has a glossy black body with a large, round belly. The body length is about 4 cm and the width (the whole body including the legs and so on) is more than 2.5 cm.
- The black widow has fangs that are slightly shorter than other types of spiders, but can still penetrate human skin.
- According to reports, the black widow spider can be found in the southern and western regions of the United States. Other sources and statistical reports say black widows are frequently seen as far away as western California, along the east coast, southern Florida, and as far north as the Okanagan, British Columbia and central Alberta in Canada.
Step 2. Know the places that black widows like
These spiders like to live outdoors, where there are lots of flies for food. However, you can also find them in hidden buildings and places.
- Black widows prefer places with minimal distractions, such as piles of wood, under rocks, on roofs, around fences, and places where there are piles of rubble.
- Be aware of the presence of black widows in dark, damp, lonely places such as electricity meter boxes, under verandas, and in or around sheds and huts.
Step 3. Try not to disturb the net
Black widow spiders like to make their webs between solid, immovable objects. Some spiders prefer to make their webs in more flexible places, such as between tree branches.
- The black widow's web is deliberately irregular in shape, unlike other typical and sometimes almost perfect spider webs. The web's fibers are stronger than the webs of most other spiders.
- Black widows don't aim for human skin. In most cases, it bites when its web is disturbed.
- This spider is not aggressive, but it will bite when it feels trapped or touched.
Step 4. Know the difference between males and females
The female spider has classic markings with a stronger venom. If you are bitten by a female black widow, you need immediate medical attention.
- The body of the female spider is usually larger than that of the male. However, the legs of the male spider are longer. This fact gives the impression that the overall size of the male spider is larger.
- Male spiders can be black, but are usually brown, and the markings can be anywhere on their belly. Red markings are the hallmark, but some males have white or brown markings.
- The female spider has a distinctive red hourglass shape on her belly, but may look more orange in some females.
- Females have fangs long enough to penetrate human skin and inject enough venom to cause a systemic reaction.
- Male spider bites are thought to be incapable of injecting venom.
- The name black widow spider comes from the female's tendency to eat the male spider after mating. This is not always the case, but is a real possibility.
