Fact Checked
Fire ant stings causes plenty of inconvenience and turn outdoor activities into unhappiness within a few seconds. Fire ants attack people in groups and they sting in clusters. The toxic venom produced by the fire ants causes a burning sensation.
Symptoms of fire ant stings
- Difficulty in swallowing or throat, tongue and lips are swelling
- Nausea and dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
Anaphylactic shock that will result to dizziness, blackout and cardiac arrest if not treated immediately. - Development of hives, itching and swelling of the bitten area
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Chest tightness
- Anaphylactic shock that will result to dizziness, blackout and cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.
Treatment
- Move away from the fire ant mound and brush away any ants away from the body and from the clothes.
- Clean the bitten area using soapy water to remove any dirt and other debris from the area and prevent development of infection. Use a mild antiseptic soap in cleaning the area. pat dry the area using a soft towel and moisturize the area by applying olive oil.
- Elevate the affected area to lessen the swelling.
- Apply cold compress on the area to lessen the itchiness and the swelling by numbing the affected area. place some ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it using a thin towel. Apply to the area for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes take a rest for a few minutes and then reapply again the compress for at least 24 hours. Another alternative is running a cool water the affected for a few minutes is also good for the condition. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin to prevent further damage and worsen the condition.
- Take the prescribed antihistamine and hydrocortisone cream to lessen the itchiness
- Avoid popping and scratching the blisters to prevent development of infection. If blisters break, clean the affected area using soapy water and check for signs of infections. If there is discoloration of the area or begins draining pus, needs to be treated immediately.
Additional measures
- Oatmeal has anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties that lessen the itchiness and the inflammation. In a bathtub filled with lukewarm water, add 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal and then mix them well until oatmeal is totally dissolved. Soak the body in the solution for at least 30 minutes, 2-3 times every day which will depend on the severity of the condition.
- Aspirin neutralizes the venom of the ants and has anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the swelling and the itching. Crush an aspirin into powder form and the add a few drops of water, mix them until they become a paste. Apply the paste to the bitten area and leave it on for at least one hour and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Apply the paste 1-2 or more times, if needed.
Tips
- Avoid fire ant colonies as much as possible.
- When going outdoors, wear shoes and socks and use insect repellents used to eliminate ants.
- Wear gloves when gardening.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fire-ant-stings