A 38-year-old member asked:
child with fire-ant bites. what's the best treatment?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Patrick Hieber answered
50 years experience Pediatrics
Fire ant bites: Oral antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine (benadryl) for relief of itching and prevention of secondary infection secondary to deep scratching by child. The "white heads" on the ant bites are not a sign of infection but rather a sterile material caused by formic acid injected during the bite. Topical mupurocin (bactroban) at first signs of true secondary infection is helpful.
Answered on Oct 24, 2017
3
3 thanks
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
25 years experience Psychiatry
Fire Ants don't : Actually bite. Pinchers grip skin while stinging injects solenopsin - an alkaloid venom. Apply a 1 to 1 mix of baking soda & water to decrease pain & reaction. Or try paste of water & meat tenderizer or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for itching. Do not squeeze or disrupt the lesions that develop. About 15% of people are allergic to fire ant stings. For anaphylactic rxn call 911 for immediate treatment.
Answered on Feb 25, 2018
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A 1-year-old female asked:
Dr. Christine Hom answered
30 years experience Pediatrics
Keep the area clean: Wash with warm water and soap. Keep the area clean. If uncomfortable, may give an appropriate dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen). You will want to con ... Read More
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1 thank
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Oscar Novick answered
58 years experience Pediatrics
Fire ant bites: Use ammonia on the bites for best results the ammonia detoxifies the fire ant venom and works for both pain and swelling.
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Rifat Naghmi answered
46 years experience Internal Medicine
Ant bite: Hydrocortisone or triamcinalone cream locally and antihistamines such as Allegra or Claritin.
1
1 thank
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Richard Feinstein answered
53 years experience Dermatology
Ant bites- not bad: Ants are insects, and all insects may bite people and cause inflammation and itching, and sometimes pain. These are not dangerous and can be treated w ... Read More
2
2 thanks
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