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Home Care


Black Widow Spider Bite Home Care
Home care for a black widow spider bite includes:
  • Seek medical care for a black widow spider bite.
  • Apply cold compresses:
    • Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
  • Clean the wound:
    • Use mild soap and water.
    • Gently dab the wound with hydrogen peroxide to remove clotted blood.
    • Do not scrub the wound.
    • Remove dirt or foreign material from the wound.
    • Running water can help remove dirt.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment.
  • If the bite is on a limb, elevate the limb above the heart for 24 hours.
  • Take prescribed medications as directed.
  • Acetaminophen for pain Images
  • Ibuprofen for pain Images
Tetanus Considerations
A tetanus shot is necessary right away if you have not had three tetanus shots in the past. Images

If you have received three tetanus shots in the past, you need a tetanus shot within three days if you have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years.

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Last Updated: Mar 17, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MDJohn H. Beckett, MDD. Scott Gettings, MD
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