How To

How to Treat Fire Ant Stings

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(42 Ratings)

Fire ant stings itch like mad and are prone to infection. In some cases, these stings can produce severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions). Here are a few steps to help you treat ant bites and relieve itchiness caused by the bite.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Evacuation Plan
  • Wilderness First Aid Classes
  • Antihistamines
  • Hydrocortisone Creams
  • Evacuation Insurance
  1. Step 1

    Remove all ants from the body to prevent further stinging.

  2. Step 2

    Elevate the extremity where the person was bit.

  3. Step 3

    Apply a topical steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, with a concentration of at least 0.25 percent.

  4. Step 4

    Administer oral antihistamines.

  5. Step 5

    Monitor carefully for severe allergic reactions. (See "How to Treat Severe Allergic Reactions in the Wilderness.")

  6. Step 6

    Monitor carefully for infection. (See "How to Check a Wound for Infection.")

Tips & Warnings
  • If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments  

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rain39 said

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on 6/2/2009 I used what I had always had, bleach and cortisone cream, which took away the pain but the itching was fierce, a first. Probably because I had about 20 up the back of my foot and egg. Someone suggested alcohol and preparation H here. I used the hand-washing prep which is mostly alcohol and washed the area very well and let it dry. Then I used Preparation H from Canada which I had gotten for under eye wrinkles a few years ago. The American brand doesn't have the anti-wrinkle ingredient which doesn't matter at all here, I don't think. Immediately, the itch and swelling stopped. I'm sure the paste you buy is fine too but I was happy to use what I had at hand. I had to watch myself closely because I'm allergic to chiggers after getting a boat-load of them one day and required a dose-pack of Cortisone because I kept getting sicker and sicker systemically. I'm also an RN but a psych...

tamsmith3 said

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on 5/28/2008 Wheatgrasss cream or spray worked instantly for my son. We keep it on hand for all skin conditions. It comes in a cream or spray and is ALL NATURAL and is even safe to use on infants. I love this product. Check out DR Wheatgrass.com

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on 1/3/2008 biome' produces a organic all natural product thats great for all ages, including infants : Fire+Ant aide , in a easy to use sprayer. This all plant solution works on contact to "put the fire out" and stop swelling and itching. I get at www.biomeskincare.com

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on 1/3/2008 biome' produces a organic all natural product thats great for all ages, including infants : Fire+Ant aide , in a easy to use sprayer. This all plant solution works on contact to "put the fire out" and stop swelling and itching. I get at www.biomeskincare.com

kach said

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on 7/8/2007 i always use the soap to wash bite part, leave the soap on the bite part fore a 30 second and messaging the bite part during that time. after that put the paste on there just leave it there as long as you want, but you need to do them as quick as you can after bite.

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