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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Black widow spiderDefinitionThe black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) has a shiny black body with a red hourglass-shape on the belly area. The bite of a black widow spider is poisonous. This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Poisonous IngredientThe venom of the black widow spider contains poisonous chemicals that make people sick. Where FoundBlack widows are found throughout the United States but predominantly in the South and West. They are usually found in barns, sheds, stone walls, fences, woodpiles, porch furniture, and other outdoor structures. SymptomsThis first symptom is usually pain similar to a pinprick. This sensation is felt when the bite is actually made. Some people may not feel it. There may be minor swelling and redness. Fifteen minutes to an hour later, a dull muscle pain spreads from the bite area to the entire body.
The following symptoms can also occur:
Pregnant women may have contractions and go into premature labor. Home CareSeek immediate emergency medical treatment. Wrap ice in a washcloth or similar material and place it on the bite area. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
Poison ControlThe National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See: Poison control center - emergency number What to Expect at the Emergency RoomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms may be treated with a variety of therapies, including:
In severe cases, anti-venin medication to reverse the effect of the poison will be given. However, this drug can cause serious allergic reactions. Outlook (Prognosis)Severe symptoms usually go away within 2 to 3 days, but milder symptoms may persist for several weeks. Death in a normally healthy individual is very rare. Young children, the extremely ill, and the elderly may not survive a bite. ReferencesAuerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001. Ford MD. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001. Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002. Review Date: 2/17/2009
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/17/2008). The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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