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Signs & Symptoms of Black Widow Spider Bite

Most black widow spiders live in the western and southern United States. When the female black widow spider bites, she emits a potent venom, which, for most people, causes severe symptoms. You should seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you've been bitten by a black widow spider.

  1. Bite Area

    • The first sign of a black widow spider bite is a pinprick sensation where the bite occurred. Some people do not experience a noticeable reaction at the bite site, but for most, the area swells, turns red and has burning pain.

    Pain

    • Within an hour, pain spreads from the bite site to other parts of the body. If you have a black widow bite, you may experience muscle cramping, especially in your back and shoulders. There also may be severe chest or abdominal pain.

    CNS Symptoms

    • Black widow spider venom particularly affects the central nervous system. Associated symptoms include dizziness, fainting, headache, sensitivity to light, tremors and weakness.

    Other Symptoms

    • Additional possible effects of a black widow spider bite include sweating, excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.

    Severe Effects

    • If left untreated, black widow spider bite symptoms may progress to more serious effects in some people. These can include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, respiratory distress and seizures.

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