What are the signs and symptoms of a black widow spider bite?
In most cases of a black widow spider bite, symptoms consist only of: • Minimal to sharp pain followed by swelling and redness at the site of the bite. • One or two small fang marks like tiny red spots. In some cases, severe symptoms appear within 30 to 60 minutes. These include: • Muscle cramps and spasms that start near the bite and then spread and increase in severity for 6 to 12 hours. • Chills, fever, nausea, or vomiting. • Sweating. • Severe abdominal, back, or chest pain. • Headache. • Stupor, restlessness, or shock. • Severe high blood pressure. What should I do if a black widow spider bites me? If you believe you have been bitten by a black widow spider: • Get medical help immediately. Call your health professional, hospital, or poison control center. • Remain calm. Too much excitement or movement will increase the flow of venom into the blood. • Apply ice to the bite area. • Do not apply a tourniquet. It may cause more harm than benefit. • Try to positively identify the spide
