vacationmili.blogg.se - Fire ant bites

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. It's still important to observe stinging victims and get help immediately if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: chest pain, excessive sweating, nausea, extreme swelling of the affected area, tongue swelling, slurred speech or trouble breathing.A.D.A.M., Inc. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk. Watch for allergic reactions - Extreme allergic reactions to fire ant stings affect only about 1 percent of the population.If the ants are removed after they bite but before they sting, there may be some discomfort and redness, but pustules won't form. Pustules form as a result of the introduction of ant venom. Breaking the pustules makes fire ant bites more vulnerable to infection. Don't scratch - Fire ant venom kills healthy cells at the injection site, and the body responds by forming a small, protective blister or pustule that itches and is tender to the touch.Stop the discomfort - Over-the-counter medications containing oral antihistamines or topical corticosteroids designed to reduce the discomfort of insect bites may help, but so will home remedies like applying a cold compress.

Clean the area - Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Trying to remove multiple ants with a blast of water from a garden hose doesn't work as well as brushing them off with a firm, rubbing motion using a cloth or towel.

Don't try to wash ants off - Fire ants don't just sting, they bite and cling to the skin.

The good news is that most fire ant stings can be treated without a visit to the doctor: They can now be found throughout the Southeastern United States as well as in portions of California, Arizona and New Mexico. The bad news is that fire ant populations are spreading. Where many insect species flee or hide when threatened or disturbed, fire ants attack, even when they're away from the nest foraging in small numbers. This can lead to multiple stings from numerous ants. If you unwittingly disturb a fire ant mound, or even walk within a few feet of one, the vibrations from your movements can trigger a swarming defense response from the ants. Although fire ants are related to bees and wasps, fire ant venom is different, and instead of stinging once like a honey bee, a fire ant can sting a victim multiple times in a distinctive circular pattern. An allergic reaction to a fire ant sting has the potential to be life threatening, too. Fire ant bites are painful, and their stings burn, itch and cause bumps or small blisters that can leave scars. If you've been bitten, you know the experience is no laughing matter. Fire ants are aggressive insects that can inflict bites and venomous stings when they feel threatened.