Ant bites are not fun, but they are very dangerous. They cause severe pain. Ant bites usually occur when ants get into your skin or clothing and then sting you. If you have been stung by an ant, it may hurt like hell for several days after the attack. Ant bites can be painful and itchy, but if you follow these simple steps, you will be able to manage the pain and itching.
How to Treat Ant Bites?
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- First thing, wash off any dirt or other matter from your skin. If there is no blood around your area, then there is nothing wrong with it. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything else. Then apply ant poison cream (antivenom). Do not use regular ant poisons such as vinegar or lemon juice. These products contain alcohol, which can kill you. Antivenom contains only natural ingredients, so it is safe for humans and animals alike.
- After applying ant venom cream, rub the affected area with a cloth soaked in water until the itchiness disappears completely. If itching persists, then continue rubbing the area with the cloth wetted with water until it becomes numb. Apply it directly onto the affected area. Do not rub it in, and just put it right on top of the spot. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes. After applying ant venom, you may want to take a shower to remove any remaining ant venom.
- Next, use rubbing alcohol to clean up any small pieces of dead skin or hair that might still be clinging to your skin or clothing.
- Take a warm bath or shower. This will help to alleviate the itching as well as open up the pores of your skin to allow for quicker healing of your wound.
- If you experience any numbness, swelling, headaches, or blackouts, then immediately call your physician and get checked out. Do not wait to get checked out because it could be serious. Use a gentle motion, as you might be a bit tender.
- Anti-itch medicine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen), Salicylates (aspirin or Tylenol), and Cortisone ointments (Dermaceratide) should be avoided because they could damage your liver and cause further complications. Use hydrocortisone creams like hydrocortisone 1% only. You should tape the cloth on your bites for about a week.
How to Relieve Ant Bites
These bites can be itchy while they are still red and sore. Sleeping on a soft pillow can also help to decrease itching. Ant bites can be very itchy, and taking anti-itch medicine can provide temporary relief.
You can also take a look at some of the literature available to the physicians that have it at their offices. Most physicians will have patient information pamphlets (such as this one) that can educate you on how to treat ant bites, what the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are, and how to relieve an allergic reaction in the future.
Also Read: How To Get Rid of Ants in Grass Naturally
How to Prevent Ant Bites
Ant bites can be effectively prevented by wearing protective clothing. Avoiding the area where the bite occurs is essential. Wearing shoes with good traction (such as hiking boots) helps prevent slipping and rolling. Using extra-large clothing is also effective, especially long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Ant bites can generally be treated at home if the bite occurs on a limb that can be elevated. Elevation, or putting a wound on a raised part of the body, can relieve the pressure that ant bites place on veins and nerves.
Ant bites can be prevented by avoiding ant hills and ant nests. Ants are generally active during the day. Hiding in secure covered areas at night is effective but not always possible. Sleeping with windows and doors closed can also prevent ant bites.
