Topic: black widow spiders | |
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Does the bite hurt?
Black widows, and other spiders, bite using a pair of fangs known as chelicerae. The bite can go unnoticed, although it often produces an immediate sharp, pin-prick pain. A slight swelling and redness may develop at the bite site. |
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joyce, I don't really know. She missed a few days work is all I
remember. When she came back she had this very large target shaped circle on her thigh. She thinks the spider was in the car in her garage and that she sat on him... sorry, that's all I remember. |
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I found another that combines old and new info...
The black widow bite may feel like a pin prick, or it might not even be felt at all. You might notice two faint red spots surrounded by local redness at the bite. At first, there may be only slight local swelling. Pain usually progresses up or down the bitten arm or leg, finally localizing in the abdomen and back. There may be pain in the muscles and soles of the feet, and eyelids may become swollen. Widow spiders inject a toxin that affects the nervous system (neurotoxin). Muscle and chest pain or tightness are some of the most common reactions to the widow toxin. Other symptoms may be nausea, profuse perspiration, tremors, labored breathing and speech, and vomiting. In more serious cases, a weak pulse, cold clammy skin, unconsciousness, or convulsions may occur. Only the bite of the female, usually the adult female, is potentially dangerous. Although extremely painful and temporarily debilitating, fatalities from untreated widow bites are uncommon. If bitten, remain calm, collect the spider, if possible, for positive identification and get medical attention immediately. Clean the site well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the bite location and keep the affected limb elevated to about heart level. Contact your physician, hospital and/or Poison Information Center. Application of a mild antiseptic such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide prevents infection. Try to keep the patient quiet and warm. The very old, very young, and those with a history of high blood pressure are at greatest risk. Prompt medical treatment can greatly reduce the danger. In severe cases, physicians can intravenously inject calcium gluconate to counteract most effects of the toxin. A black widow antiserum also is available. Don't try to suck out the poison. It doesn't work. Tips: We have a statewide 24-hr toll free number for emergency access to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. Call 1-800-362-0101. |
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Joyce I hope your daughter is ok
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