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what can I do for a red ant bite
(20 Apr 2010)
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Red ant bites, also known as fire ant bites, are a common problem in the United States of America for both, residents and farmers. They are more commonly found towards the southeastern parts of the country and are known for their substantially aggressive nature. A sting from a fire ant is going to be rather itchy and painful – making the likelihood of the affected individual scratching the area more likely – thereby increasing the likelihood of infection.
In order to sting a person, the ant will need to attach itself to its host with the help of its mandibles – which are the appendages close to the ant’s mouth. Once it has attached itself to the skin, the ant will sting its host by injecting its venom. The fire ants are able to sting multiple times and will usually sting the person seven to eight times in a single attack. This increases the intensity of the sting. If the individual is attacked by a swarm of fire ants, the complications can be significantly painful. The pain is likely to last for a couple of hours. Depending on the severity of the attack, you may notice the development of hives or blisters around the area of the bite. If the blisters are not broken, the skin will usually heal on its own in about a week or two with only the most basic of treatments. It is also possible for the blister to break after a few days without being disturbed and form a scab which will fall off, sometimes leaving a small scar on the area.
If you develop any allergic reactions to the fire ant bite, you need to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the more common signs of an allergic reaction include the formation of hives over the body, slurred speech, faintness, sweating and nausea. The best natural treatment for a fire ant bite is to apply a cold compress or ice pack over the affected area in order to help relieve the pain and swelling that is likely to be present. You should also elevate the affected limb in order to limit the amount of swelling. Keep the affected area as clean as possible at all times as this will reduce the likelihood of an infection were the blisters to burst. Aloe vera juice is known to be very effective when dealing with a number of skin conditions. It is also very beneficial in reducing the amount of discomfort you experience when bitten by a fire ant.
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answered by G M on 20 Apr 2010, 1:18:01
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