Hi, my 47 year old sister was bit by a black widow spider about half an hour ago. She is nauseated, and has a bad pain moving up her leg. She also has a blister at the bite site, when she busts this blister, it drains, then will be back in a few minutes. Ice did not seem to help. She does not have money to go to hospital, what can I do to help her?
Hello, Treatment for serious reactions to a black widow spiders bite will be beyond the scope of most medical offices and urgent care centers. Pain relief may require the use of narcotics and antivenin (antitoxin to counteract the effects of the spider venom). The decision to seek emergency care should be made early. If the person who was bitten by a black widow spider has more than minor pain or has whole-body symptoms, seek care at a hospitals Emergency Department. If symptoms are severe, for emergency medical transport so that evaluation and treatment can start en route to the hospital. Home remedies for treatment of black widow spider bites are few. Hot and cold compresses are suggested remedies; as are baths with hot water. Over the counter medications for pain relieving are available and may be helpful in some minor cases. A paste of the content of charcoal capsules and water is believed by some people to be helpful in extracting the venom. A slice of potato may also be placed over the bite. Turmeric and olive oil applied to the bite may help to reduce the pain. Garlic and onion may also help to encourage recovery. Hope this helping regards