Black Widow Spider Bite: Care Instructions

Overview

After being bitten by a black widow spider, you may have painful swelling around the bite. You may also have cramps, muscle aches and spasms, and nausea or vomiting.

These symptoms may get worse for up to about 12 hours after you were bitten. Then they should start to go away. It may take a few days before all the pain goes away.

Black widow spiders are found throughout North America. Female spiders have a shiny black body and an orange, red, or yellow hourglass-shaped marking on the belly. They live in webs in garages or sheds, in barbecue grills, around swimming pools, and in wood or brush piles. These spiders tend to bite when their webs are disturbed. Bites to babies, children, and older adults may be more serious.

Medicine for black widow spider venom (antivenom) is available, but it is rarely needed.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve the itching and reduce the swelling. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time for several hours. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• If your doctor told you how to care for the bite, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the bite area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the bite with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have new symptoms, such as:
  • Belly cramping.
  • Vomiting.
  • Painful muscle aches.
  • Headache.
  • Worse pain at the bite area.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.