Black widow spiders generally live in trash, closets, attics, woodpiles, garages and other dark places. The black widow is a medium-sized spider whose body is about a half-inch long. Black widow spiders are pretty common in the Southwest U.S. Two species are common to the United States. The southern black widow has the shiny, black, globular abdomen with the distinctive red hourglass on the underside. The northern black widow has a row of red spots down the middle of the upper surface of its abdomen and 2 crosswise bars on the undersurface. A black widow spider bite gives the appearance of a target, with a pale area surrounded by a red ring. Severe muscle pain and cramps may develop in the first two hours. Severe cramps are usually first felt in the back, shoulders, abdomen and thighs. Other symptoms include weakness, sweating, headache, anxiety, itching, nausea, vomiting, difficult breathing and increased blood pressure. Black widow spiders tend to bite defensively when their webs are disturbed. Old stumps or wood piles are favorite hiding places of black widow spiders. Most bites occur in rural and suburban areas and occur between the months of April and October. Bites to babies and children may be more serious than bites to adults. Adult females are mostly jet-black and often have striking red markings on their abdomens. On the ventral surface of the globular abdomen is a characteristic marking that consists of 2 equilateral triangles arranged apex to apex in an hourglass configuration. The female injects such a small dose of venom that it rarely causes death. Human mortality at well less than 1% from black widow spider bites. There are many labeled pesticides for spider control. Medication for pain and spasms. Antivenin is only given in severe cases as severe allergic reactions can occur. Pain and spasms may be severe enough to require benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium), or narcotics, such as meperidine (Demerol). Antihypertension medications for high blood pressure. Many prevention is also helpful this codition. Keep the wound clean and prevent infection. If the bite becomes infected or does not seem to heal. Apply ice to the bite area. Do not apply a tourniquet. It may cause more harm than benefit. Apply tincture of iodine or other antiseptic to the site of the bite to prevent infection. Try to keep the patient quiet and warm. Black Widow (latrodectus) Spider Bite Treatment and Prevention Tips 1. Apply ice to the bite area when the spider inject. 2. Try to keep the patient quiet and warm. 3. Keep the wound clean and prevent infection. 4. Antihypertension medications also use for high blood pressure. 5. Apply tincture of iodine or other antiseptic to the site of the bite to prevent infection. 6. Pain medication, muscle relaxants, and drugs to lower blood pressure may be needed. 7. Antivenin is only given in severe cases as severe allergic reactions can occur. 8. Apply tincture of iodine and anticeptic affect aria.
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