Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Spider and Scorpion Bites
BLACK WIDOW SPIDER BITE
- Description
The black widow is a shiny, jet-black spider with long
legs and a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on its
underside. It is about an inch long, including the
legs. Black widow and brown recluse spiders are the
only highly venomous spiders in North America. Black
widow bites cause immediate local pain and swelling.
Muscle cramps may also occur for 6 to 24 hours. They
rarely cause death (except in younger children or when
the victim is bitten by several spiders).
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IN ALL CASES.
- First aid for black widow spider bites
Put an ice cube on the bite to slow the spread of the
venom. Then go to the nearest emergency room or
wherever your physician tells you to go. Antivenin is
available for severe bites in young children.
- Prevention
Don't play or work in woodpiles, rock piles, or dark
corners of outdoor buildings without wearing gloves.
Spray insecticides in any area where black widow spiders
are seen.
BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER BITE
- Description
The brown recluse is brown, has long legs, and has a
dark, violin-shaped marking on its head. It is about
1/2 inch long, including the legs. Brown recluse spider
bites cause delayed local pain and blister formation in
4 to 8 hours. The skin damage may require grafting.
The bites are rarely fatal.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IN ALL CASES.
- First aid for brown recluse spider bites
Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Bring the
spider with you if possible. (Brown recluse spiders may
be hard to identify.)
- Prevention
Don't play or work in woodpiles, rock piles, or dark
corners of outdoor buildings without wearing gloves.
BITE BY NONDANGEROUS SPIDER
- Description
More than 50 spiders in the United States can cause
local but nondangerous reactions (for example, golden
garden spiders). The bites are painful and mildly
swollen for 1 or 2 days, much like a bee sting. In
fact, spiders are probably responsible for most single,
unexplained, tender bites that occur on children during
the night. (Mosquito bites are usually itchy rather
than painful.) Many people are unduly concerned about
the tarantula, a black hairy spider that is 2 to 3
inches long. Its mild venom also causes a local
reaction resembling a bee sting.
- Home care for nondangerous spider bites
Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Then rub
the area with a cotton ball soaked with a meat
tenderizer solution for 15 minutes. If meat tenderizer
is not available, an ice cube applied to the area often
helps. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for
pain relief.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child has abdominal pain or muscle cramps.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- The bite turns into a blister or purple spot.
- Your child develops a sore that doesn't heal.
- You have other questions or concerns.
BITE BY UNIDENTIFIED SPIDER
- Description
Although most spider bites are harmless, an occasional
bite may have been made by a black widow spider. Try to
capture the spider (dead or alive) in a jar and bring it
along if your child needs to be seen by a physician.
Don't bludgeon the spider beyond recognition.
- Home care for unidentified spider bites
Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Then rub
the area with a cotton ball soaked with a meat
tenderizer solution for 15 minutes. If meat tenderizer
is not available, an ice cube applied to the area often
helps. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for
pain relief.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child has abdominal pain or muscle cramps.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- The bite turns into a blister or purple spot.
- Your child develops a sore that doesn't heal.
- You have other questions or concerns.
SCORPION BITE
- Description
Scorpions belong to the same class (arachnids) as
spiders. They are found in desert areas. About 20
different kinds occur in the southwestern United States.
Scorpions have poisonous stingers on their tails. Most
of the bites cause symptoms similar to those of black
widow spiders: local pain and swelling.
- CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IN ALL CASES.
- First aid for scorpion bites
Put an ice cube on the bite to slow the spread of the
venom. Then go to the nearest emergency room or
wherever your physician tells you to go.
- Prevention
If you are staying in an area where scorpions live,
check your shoes and clothing before putting them on.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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