Black widow spider

Symptoms

This 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.

• If the bite is on the upper body, you will usually feel most of the pain in your chest.
• If the bite is on your lower body, you will usually feel most of the pain in the abdomen.

The following symptoms can also occur:

• Anxiety
• Difficulty breathing
• Extremely painful muscle cramps
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Increased salivation
• Increased sweating
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness
• Restlessness

Pregnant women may have contractions and go into premature labor.

References

Auerbach 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.