Do Fire Ants Burn?
WouterAmong the common questions people ask is, “Do fire ants burn?” The truth is that the answer to this question varies, depending on who you ask and where you live. Most people experience local reactions, but a rare number of people have serious systemic reactions, requiring medical treatment.
The good news is that there are treatments to treat the symptoms. There are topical treatments as well as oral medications. A prescription steroid cream may help reduce swelling and pain.
In addition, a cool compress with ice will help reduce swelling and pain. You should also wash the affected area with cool water and an antibacterial soap.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never try to scratch an infected area. If you do, you may spread the infection to the non-infected skin.
It is also a good idea to wear gloves and close-toed shoes when working in your yard or in areas where ants are likely to be present. A full-body cover can also help to keep you safe.
It is also a good idea for people with fire ant allergies to carry a first aid kit, including an EpiPen. An EpiPen can reverse an anaphylactic reaction and is a life-saver if you are allergic to ants and are not able to get medical care right away.
In addition to your EpiPen, you should also carry oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, to reduce the itching. If the reaction is severe, you may need steroids to reduce swelling.
