Are You Allergy to a Small Ant Bite?
WouterGenerally, ants are not harmful, but a small ant bite can be uncomfortable. It can cause a welt, itchiness, and irritation. If you feel like you are allergic to an ant bite, you should contact your health care provider.
Some ants are more aggressive than others. Some bite and spray venom into the wound. Others bite and sting.
Ants are known for their jaw strength. In some species, ants use their mandibles to create galleries in wood. These mandibles are also used to carry food. Besides eating, ants also use their mandibles to build nests.
The venom in ants contains Formic acid, which causes irritation and swelling. This venom can also cause blisters. These blisters can linger for a few weeks.
In rare cases, a person can develop an allergic reaction to a sting. In these cases, the individual experiences an intense burning sensation, tightness in the chest, swelling, itching, and possibly hives. In severe cases, the person may also experience anaphylactic shock. If you are allergic to an ant bite, a doctor may be able to treat the sting.
The symptoms of a severe reaction may last for one to two days. You may also experience dizziness, flushing, or diarrhoea. If the reaction is severe, you should seek medical treatment.
If you experience a mild reaction, you can treat it with a cold compress. You should also wash and rinse the sting. You can also apply an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. If the reaction is more severe, you should go to the emergency room.
