Of the tens of thousands of spider species around, most pose no serious danger to your children, as their venom is too weak or their jaws are not strong enough to pierce the skin. The black widow, which National Geographic identifies as the most venomous spider in the United States, is one of the few exceptions. Even though the black widow's venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake's, its bites usually are not serious. With children, however, you will need to take a few extra precautions to treat and prevent bites.
Identification
The black widow is one of only two spiders--the other being the brown recluse--in the United States with bites that pose any serious health risks. They live across most of the contiguous United States but are the most prevalent in the warm southern states, according to MayoClinic.com. They are shiny, black and usually measure from half an inch to an inch across. Black widows' abdomens are large, round and usually marked with an orange or red mark in the shape of an hourglass on their underside.
Significance
While potentially serious, black widow bites are rarely deadly. About 4 percent to 5 percent of black widow bites resulted in death in the early half of the 20th century, but growth in medical knowledge has decreased that number significantly, according to the University of California Cooperative Extension. As of August 2010, no one in the United States has died from a black widow bite in several decades. Children, along with the elderly and people with high blood pressure, face the biggest risk for serious complications after black widow bites, however.
Symptoms
A black widow bite on your child usually will resemble a target, a pale area surrounded by a red ring, according to the California Poison Action Line. Further symptoms will vary from child to child and depend on how much venom the spider injected during a bite. Your child might feel a tightness or cramping in his chest and abdomen, feel dizzy or seem restless. Other symptoms could include swollen eyelids, nausea, restlessness or a weakness or even paralysis in the legs, according to Children's Hospital Boston.
Treatment
If you suspect your child was bitten by a black widow, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends washing the bite area thoroughly with soap and water and applying an ice pack to reduce swelling. Antibiotic lotions will prevent infections, and acetaminophen can alleviate the pain. Because of the increased risk of serious complications in children, you also should seek emergency care. A doctor can administer muscle relaxers and pain relievers. Rarely, a doctor might apply an antivenin, or your child might require hospitalization.
Prevention
Black widows are not particularly aggressive creatures and usually will not bite humans unless they brush up against them and disturb their web, according to the University of California Cooperative Extension. Therefore, teaching your children to identify and avoid black widows is the best way to prevent bites. Teach children to be especially vigilant in dark spots where black widows are most common, such as garages, closets, attics and woodpiles. They also should keep an eye out for the spiders when using outdoor bathroom facilities while camping, as they're one of the most common areas where people receive bites.
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