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Black widow spider - Symptom

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:

Pregnant women may have contractions and go into premature labor.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/29/2007
  • Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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.