Ant bites cause painful itching.
When they feel threatened, ants bite or sting to defend themselves. Unless you are allergic to ants, bites and stings usually have few symptoms other than itching and minor pain. Treat pain effectively with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The itch, however, often takes several steps to relieve. With a combination of oral and topical treatments, relieving ant itch takes just a little time and effort.
Instructions
1. Clean the area as soon as the bite occurs using soap and water. Do not rub the bite area as this may irritate it. Instead, blot the area dry with a clean, dry towel.
2. Cover the area with a clean, sterile bandage. If the bite breaks the skin, use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infections.
3. Take an oral antihistamine. These over-the-counter pills block histamine receptors in your body, relieving the itch.
4. Apply calamine lotion to the area two to three times a day using a cotton ball. Dab the ointment on and then replace the bandage. Alternatively, replace the calamine lotion with witch hazel. Either way, reapply the calamine lotion or witch hazel three to four times a day.
5. Pour up to 2 cups epsom salt into a bathtub. Fill the tub with water. Submerge your body in the bathtub for 15 minutes to relieve the itch. Repeat baths up to twice a day.
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