Red Ant - Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms and Treatment

The venom of fire ants is composed of alkaloids such as piperidine (see Solenopsis saevissima). Some people are allergic to the venom, and as with many allergies, may experience anaphylaxis, which requires emergency treatment. Other problems are concentrated to the site of the sting.

The sting swells into a bump, which can cause much pain and irritation, especially when several stings are in the same place. The bump often forms into a white pustule, which can become infected if scratched, but if left alone will usually flatten within a few days. The pustules are obtrusive and uncomfortable while active and, if they become infected, can cause scarring. First aid for fire ant bites includes external treatments and oral medicines. There are also many home remedies of varying efficacy, including urine immediate applied or aloe vera gel, the latter of which is also often included in over-the-counter creams that also include medically tested and verified treatments.

External, topical treatments include the surface anesthetic benzocaine, the antihistamine benadryl, and the corticosteroid hydrocortisone. Antihistamines or topical corticosteroids may help reduce the itching.

Oral medicines include antihistamines.

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Severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings, including severe chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling, and slurred speech, can be fatal if not treated.