Do Ants Really Bite You?
WouterWhether ants bite you or not is not always easy to determine. There are more than 1,000 species of ants in the world, and they are found on almost every continent except Antarctica. But most of them have not yet figured out how to bite humans.
If you are unsure about what kind of ant you are getting bit by, you can go to your doctor or emergency room. Some people can get allergic to ants and may develop severe reactions, which can be life threatening.
Ant bites can cause itching and redness at the site of the bite. In most cases, ant bites will cause mild swelling. Often, this swelling will disappear within a few days. However, in some cases, ant bites can become infected.
If you are allergic to ants, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. If your symptoms get worse, you may experience anaphylaxis or mastocytosis. You may also experience dizziness, hypotension, or hoarseness. You should also use epinephrine (EpiPen) to reverse the effects of ant bites.
The venom that ants release is acidic. This venom can cause an immediate burning sensation and a blistering sensation. The stinger may also cause hives, welts, and swelling.
If you are allergic to ants, the venom can also cause you to develop a condition called anaphylaxis. This condition may lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening.
When you have an ant bite, it is important to treat it like a wound. You should apply antibacterial soap and water to the wound. You should also avoid scratching the wound.
