A 37-year-old member asked:
i have a lot of fire ant bites please help?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Kathryn Akin answered
37 years experience Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Don't sratch!: These can be very uncomfortable; but scratching and picking will only make the problem worse. Hydrocortisone cream can be used on the bites topically and you can take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) orally for the itching. Both are available over the counter. They will fade within a few days. Watch for signs of infection and see your health care provider if symptoms continue past a week.
Answered on Jun 26, 2017
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
25 years experience Psychiatry
Fire Ants don't : Actually bite. Pinchers grip skin while stinging injects solenopsin - an alkaloid venom. A fire ant is the gift that keeps on giving – as 1 ant can repeatedly sting you in different locations. Apply a 1 to 1 mix of baking soda & water to decrease pain & reaction. Or try paste of water & meat tenderizer, Benadryl for itching or tylenol (acetaminophen) or nsaid's for pain. About 15% of people are allergic to fire.
Answered on Jun 24, 2014
1
1 comment
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
25 years experience Psychiatry
Provided original answer
ant stings. If you have swelling of mouth, tongue,lips or difficulty breathing please call 911 & be seen at nearest ER. It can take up to 3 weeks for the pustules and swelling to completely resolve.
Jul 20, 2013
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Dr. Karen Butler answered
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Bad bites: Better see your doctor for examination and treatment. These are very serious bites
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Soothing cream: A cream like hydrocortisone should help. It could take up to a week to feel better
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