Fire ant bites can be painful, and in some cases, fatal.
Small and usually wingless, ants seem harmless. Most varieties, including the common black ant, are far more interested in stealing your food and checking out what's in your garbage, than getting anywhere near you. They're almost completely benign. However, red ants -- particularly, fire ants found in the southern United States -- can bite, sting and do painful damage. However, while you're not going to walk away from an ant bite happy, immediate action can help you mitigate the effects.
Instructions
1. Get the ants off you, and get away as quickly as possible. Fire ants can be aggressive, especially if you disturb their often-hidden nests. It may help to know they don't like water. Spray it, or jump in it, if necessary. Multiple bites only increase the pain and the danger of severe allergic reactions.
2. Take a Type I oral antihistamine like Benadryl immediately, especially if you have multiple bites. Note that non-drowsy antihistamines designed primarily for sinus and congestion don't address dermatological, or general allergic, reactions.
3. Apply topical cortisone or analgesic cream to the bites. The swelling and inflammation of the bites stem from an allergic reaction. Everyone has some amount of allergy to the ants' venom -- the amount of venom and your personal make-up determine just how severe your reaction will be. Cream will help combat the reaction and minimize your swelling, pain and itching.
4. Be alert for a more widespread allergic reaction. Monitor the bite sites, as well as your breathing and skin color. If the swelling becomes significant, your heart rate elevates, or your breathing becomes labored, see a physician or go to an emergency room immediately.
5. Administer epinephrine, or adrenaline, per allergy kit or prescription instructions, if you go into anaphylactic shock before reaching a medical facility. Most people prone to shock keep emergency kits on hand, but if this is your first experience with a severe allergic reaction, drug stores and pharmacies carry the kits. However, if you're unprepared, and time is of the essence, call 9-1-1.
Tags: allergic reaction, allergic reactions, severe allergic, your breathing