How to deal with a fire ant sting

Fire ant stings can be painful and uncomfortable, but most people do not need medical treatment for a fire ant sting. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and itching and help the sting heal. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to a fire ant sting may occur. We’ve put together here some answers to questions you may have when you’ve been bitten by a fire ant.

Table of Contents

What can you use to treat fire ant stings?

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Apply cold compress for 20 minutes and rest for 20 minutes. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Put a cold compress on the sting for 20 minutes, then take it out and rest for 20 minutes. Repeat this process until the skin feels calmer and less swollen. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Make cold compresses by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag. Dip a cotton towel under cold running water and wrap it around the ice pack. Apply gauze directly to the skin.

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Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. You can buy hydrocortisone cream without a prescription at any pharmacy. Apply cream to the skin during ant stings to relieve itching and discomfort. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

You can also use calamine lotion to treat itching.

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Try applying a mixture of water and baking soda to the ant sting. This is a home remedy that can help reduce itching, swelling, and redness. Mix water and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the ant sting several times a day until the symptoms subside. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

What medicine can you take to treat fire ant stings?

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Take an antihistamine to help relieve itching. Antihistamines used to treat allergies can help relieve itching. You can take 1 tablet every 8-12 hours as needed. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

How long does a fire ant sting last?

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The initial pain and burning sensation should subside after about 10 minutes. When stung by a fire ant, you will feel a little less pain than a bee sting. The burning sensation will go away on its own, then you will see the skin begin to itch. The itching can last for weeks after you’ve been bitten by an ant. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Seattle Children’s Hospital Go to Source}

It is normal for the ant sting area to continue to swell further for the first 24 hours.

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A pustule-like pimple will form within 24 hours and disappear after 3 days. For most people, these pustules will completely dry up after a few weeks. Once dry, the pustules can leave a brown scar and often last for months or more. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Seattle Children’s Hospital Go to Source}

Don’t worry if the ant sting turns red after the pustule forms. This is normal and does not mean an infection.

Should I puncture a fire ant sting?

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No, don’t pop the pustules that form in the middle of the ant sting. If you puncture the blister, you may be at risk of infection. You should also try to avoid scratching fire ant stings, as they can break open and become infected. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If the blister breaks, wash the wound with soapy water and watch for signs of infection. You can also apply antibiotic ointment to open burns. Antibiotic ointments are available without a prescription in pharmacies.
If the skin of the ant sting becomes discolored or begins to ooze pus, it may be infected. Get medical attention right away.

Why is the sting of a fire ant so painful?

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Because fire ants inject venom into the skin. Fire ants use their lower jaws to bite the victim’s skin, then sting and inject venom. That’s what causes the initial burning sensation and subsequent swelling. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Fire ant stings are usually more painful and swollen in the summer, when fire ants have the most venom.

Can you be allergic to fire ant stings?

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Very rare, but can happen. Fire ant sting allergy symptoms include: hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue, and throat. lips or difficulty swallowing. If you have any of the above symptoms after being stung by an ant, go to an emergency room or hospital right away. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually occur within 30-40 minutes of being stung.
In the most severe cases, allergy sufferers can go into anaphylactic shock, leading to dizziness, fainting, and cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.
If you already know you’re allergic to fire ant (or bee) stings, you probably also carry an epinephrine injector, commonly known as an epi-pen (epinephrine). You can inject yourself or ask someone else to help you, and then go to the hospital right away.

How to prevent fire ant stings?

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Get out of that area if you find fire ants on you. Most people are burned by fire ants because they accidentally step on or sit on fire ant nests, leaving hundreds of thousands of fire ants ready to fight to protect the nest. If you spot any fire ants on your body, the first thing to do is to get up and leave the place as quickly as possible. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If you feel an ant stinging, leave immediately to prevent other ants from crawling on you and getting more stings.

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Wash ants that are clinging to the skin. Fire ants use their lower jaws to bite the skin before they actually sting. Quickly use your hands or a rag to rub the skin to shake off the ants before they can sting. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Even if you jump into the water or use a hose to spray, you won’t be able to get rid of the ants if they are already attached to the skin with their lower jaws. ^{[12] X Research Source}
If there is a possibility of fire ants getting into your clothes, you need to take them off immediately.

Steps