Fire Ant Bites

If you've never heard of fire ants, it's most likely because you live in an area that does not have them. Fire ants are red rather than black, and they bite. When a fire ant bites you, your skin burns like it's on fire. It's estimated in the United States that over 20 million people every year get bitten by fire ants. If you do not live in an area that is infested with fire ants, consider yourself fortunate.

Symptoms of a Fire Ant Bite

Fire Ant bites are typically very small and red. They generally develop a white pustule filled with fluid. These sites are very itchy due to the body's immune response to the ant's venom. Try to resist scratching the area, because it could lead to an infection. However, if you are someone who cannot fathom going another five minutes without popping the blisters, then make sure you do it with a sterilized needle. Then, after all the liquid has been removed from the blister, you can apply Calamine lotion or another topical, which should immediately relieve the burning pain.

Treating your skin after you've been bitten by fire ants

With warm soap and water, immediately massage and rub the infected area. If you have a store-bought remedy available, apply the product immediately. To create your own home remedy, continue to swab and massage the area with the warm water. The water helps to flush out the venom that was injected into your skin by the fire ants.

If it's possible, try to elevate the legs or the arms, depending upon which area was bitten, and take an antihistamine as soon as possible. Within fifteen minutes, you can apply any of the following common items to the fire ant bites to lessen the itching sensation and burning pain: a thick paste of salt and water, dishwashing liquid, a peeled onion, vinegar, baking soda and water, meat tenderizer in water, crushed aspirin and water, or an aloe vera based OTC ointment.

Read testimonials about using Wounded Warrior on fire ant bites.