The black widow spider is one of the famous and highly feared spiders out of 30,000 recognized species of spiders. Black widow spider bite can be dangerous and cause serious difficulties. Though spider are blamed for variety of symptoms such as itching, rashes it is also accepted that spiders bite humans rarely. Moreover in most cases of spider bites skin penetration is not obvious. One of the most painful spider bites is the tarantula bite. Apart from this, the only two dangerous bites are from Black Widow and Brown recluse. Black widow spider in medium in size and may measure approx 1.27 centimeter long that is around half an inch. This creature derives its name due to a belief that after mating the female black widow kills male spider.
This species of spider is mostly found in southern part of US but it may also be found throughout the Unites States. To determine whether it is a black widow spider bite you need to first know how a black widow looks. The body of this spider is shiny black. It has a globular abdomen. What makes this spider easily recognizable is a distinctive hourglass design seen on the underside of its abdomen and spots on the upper side which are often red in color. In some black widow, these patterns may also be yellow or white. In some cases the spider may also be brown with red legs. These spiders are nocturnal which makes them active in nights. This is perhaps the reason why these spiders also prefer dwelling in dark areas and crevices. These spiders often avoid dwelling in place where humans frequently visit. This is why you may find them in garage, out houses etc. It is also said that male black widow spider does not bite but only the female does. This she does when she is provoked or while defending her eggs.
Seeking Medical attention
You should follow first aid measures if you suspect that you have been bitten by any insect. You should wash the bitten spot immediately by running tap water. Use readily available cleansing anti-bacterial solutions. The pain experienced due to bite can be handled with narcotics and antitoxin medicines that can be used to counteract the spider venom influences. If you are bitten by either brown recluse or black widow then you should seek immediate medical attention. You may experience severe symptoms due to the bite; hence, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of Black widow spider bite
The black widow spider bite symptoms are a result of the venom which contains protein that can considerably influence the nervous system of the bitten individual. This protein is a neurotoxic protein which is one of the most strongest venom released by animal. This venom may have different level of effect on different individual. It may have slight effect on some while on others it may have serious outcome. The very first symptom perhaps is acute pain which is experience on the site of the spider bite. The reaction may be insignificant and local. Black widow spider bite symptoms may be experienced within around 20 minutes to 60 minutes after being bitten by the spider.
Local ache may be experience on the affected region along with generalized muscle cramp. Severe abdominal pain, fatigue, as well as tremor may also be experienced by the bitten individual. Usually larger muscles groups are affected with the pain. In serious cases even vomiting, dizziness, queasiness, pain in the chest, faintness and respiratory issues. The intensity of the symptoms may vary according to the age as well as the physical condition. The spider bite may have extreme effect on the elder individuals and on children. In some cases the stomach ache caused due to spider bite may seem like pain experienced due to appendicitis or gallbladder.
The spider bite may also lead to severe pain in the chest which may resemble like a heart attack. Elevated blood pressure is also among the symptoms experience due to black widow spider bite. This condition in turn can lead to serious issues. In rare cases people may even die due to bite from this species of the spider. Elders and children may also usually experience life threatening reactions.
Black Widow Spider bite treatment
Generally, in case of black widow spider bite bitten individual may not need too much medical examination. In exceptionally cases wherein it is not certain which insect bit you, it is necessary to analyze the condition with necessary evaluation. Medical evaluation and medical attention is necessary if the symptoms are severe such as heart pain etc. Along with medical aid you will also need appropriate self-care. Though self-care options are not many, cold compresses as well as warm compresses are usually suggested. One can also have hot water bath to relieve symptoms. In mild cases wherein benign pain is experience OTC (over the counter) drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be beneficial. Traditional remedies are not proven to be helpful.
Usually an individual bitten with black widow spider may experience intense pain and need emergency medical attention. Narcotic pain relieving medicines are often the primary treatment suggested for dealing with the symptoms. In some cases intravenously administered muscle relaxants may be helpful. Though calcium gluconate was widely administered intravenously it is reported to be of insignificant help in alleviating symptoms.
Black widow spider bite treatment also includes antivenin medicine use. This medicinal remedy is gained through horse serum. Venom of different types of black widow species is similar; hence, the obtained antivenin works effectively against all black widow spider venom. Antivenin is derived by progressively injecting certain venom in horse. The horse then produces this antivenin which is then administered to humans for treatment.
When symptoms are not relieved through narcotic medicines experts suggest using antivenin. Antivenin can also be used in case if it is late reaching to hospital. Some sources suggest that this medical ingredient should be used only in children, elders and people with severe spider bite. Though antivenin may be extremely helpful in treating the condition, there are also chances or anaphylaxis which may also be life threatening. This is why testing the skin is often suggested before administering the serum. There are also side effects of the serum which may include lesions on skin, fever, joint ache and protruded lymph glands. These side effects are often common when the serum is utilized to deal with rattlesnake bite.
In some cases it may be difficult to obtain this horse serum as this medicine may not be obtainable readily. You may have to wait for the serum to arrive at your medical center. Treating black widow spider bite may not be easy. Hence, it is better to prevent it from occurring. This can be done by various measures. For example, avoid going to spots where these spiders may possibly dwell. Such spots may include garage, attics, outhouses, etc. You should run pest control procedure timely in your house. If you are going in woods try to wear protective clothes such as full sleeves shirt and full length bottoms. If you see webs in your home or surroundings get rid of it right away. These measures will significantly reduce your chances of suffering from black widow spider bite.
Black Widow Spider Pictures
Black Widow Spider Bite – Pictures
