Fire ant stings can be painful and irritate the skin, but many people do not need to receive medical treatment for their cure. Fortunately, there are some remedies you can take to relieve pain, itching, and speed up healing as much as possible. However, in rare cases an allergy to the bites of these insects develops. We have collected a number of answers to the most frequently asked questions about fire ant injuries.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: What do I apply on fire ant bites?
Step 1. Apply a cold compress at 20 minute intervals
This remedy helps reduce swelling. Keep the compress on the affected area for 20 minutes, then remove it and let the wound rest for another 20 minutes. Repeat the treatment until the skin has deflated and you feel relief.
You can make a cold compress by filling a plastic bag with ice cubes. Wet a towel under cold water, then wrap it around the ice and press it directly against your skin
Step 2. Use hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching
Buy an over-the-counter ointment with this active ingredient at a pharmacy. Rub some on the skin where you were bitten to help relieve irritation and itching as it heals.
You can also treat itching with calamine lotion
Step 3. Try spreading a paste of baking soda and water on the wound
This is a home remedy that can work to reduce itching, swelling, and redness. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste, then apply several times a day to the bite until symptoms improve.
Method 2 of 7: What Medicines Can I Take for Fire Ant Bites?
Step 1. Take an oral antihistamine to relieve itching
All drugs of this type, used to treat allergies, can reduce the itching sensation. Take one pill every 8-12 hours, as needed.
Method 3 of 7: How long do the symptoms of a fire ant bite last?
Step 1. The initial pain and burning sensation lasts about 10 minutes
When you are bitten by a fire ant, you will feel pain similar to a bee sting, but less intense. The pain goes away on its own and itchiness occurs later, which can last for weeks.
It is normal for the affected area to continue swelling during the following 24 hours
Step 2. A pimple-like pustule will form within 24 hours and disappear after 3 days
In most cases, the pustules dry out completely after a few weeks and can leave a brown scar that will remain for a few months or longer.
Don't worry if the bite turns red after the pustule forms. This is normal and does not indicate an infection
Method 4 of 7: Should I puncture the pustule of a fire ant bite?
Step 1. No, avoid puncturing the pustule that forms in the center of the wound
If you do, you risk getting an infection. Also avoid scratching, as you could accidentally break it and put yourself at risk of infection.
- If the blister ruptures, clean the area thoroughly with warm soapy water, watching out for symptoms of infection. You can also apply antibiotic ointment to all open wounds. You can buy over-the-counter drugs of this type at all pharmacies.
- If the skin in that area changes color or starts to secrete pus, it can be infected. In that case, seek immediate medical attention.
Method 5 of 7: Why do fire ant bites cause so much pain?
Step 1. Why do these insects inject poison into the skin
Fire ants use their jaws to attach themselves to your skin, then sting you and inject the venom. This is what causes the initial burning sensation and the swelling that follows.
Fire ant bites usually cause more pain and swelling in the summer, when these insects have more venom
Method 6 of 7: Is it possible to be allergic to fire ant bites?
Step 1. It is very rare, but it is possible
Symptoms of allergy to these insect bites include hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the bite, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue and lips or difficulty swallowing. If you notice any of these symptoms after you have been stung, go to the emergency room or hospital right away.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually show up within 30 to 40 minutes of the sting.
- In severe cases, allergic people can go into anaphylactic shock, risking dizziness, fainting, and cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.
- If you know you are allergic to fire ant (or bee) stings, you may want to bring an epinephrine auto-injector, commonly known as an epi-pen, with you. Inject yourself or ask a friend for help, then go to the hospital.
Method 7 of 7: How do I stop fire ants from biting me?
Step 1. If you notice the presence of fire ants on your body, move away from where you are
Most of the stings occur when a person steps on or accidentally sits on the anthill, disturbing hundreds of thousands of specimens, ready to defend their home. If you start seeing fire ants walking on you, you must immediately get up and walk away as soon as possible.
If you feel like a fire ant has bitten you, move away immediately to prevent others from climbing on you and continuing to attack you
Step 2. Eliminate all ants from the skin
These insects attach themselves to your body with their jaws before stinging you. Quickly peel them off with your hand or a rag so they don't have time to bite you.
- Jumping into the water or bathing the ants with running water will not be enough to detach them from the skin, if they have already taken hold with their jaws.
- If there is a possibility that other ants have gotten under your clothes, change immediately.
