Big black ant bites - how do you treat them? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Big black ant bites - how do you treat them?

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 21:54

I was sting/bitten by a big black ant two days ago and it is swollen, oozing and very itchy. Does anyone know how I can get rid of it? My friend's little boy was stung also and knowing how painful it is, I felt so sorry for him, we couldn't do anything to help him.

Any suggestions appreciated :-)

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 17:22
Thank you all for your replies, I really appreciate it. I ended up plastering bicarb/vinegar mix and it helped enormously. Antihistamines make me sleepy (even the non drowsy ones) and I don't like taking tablets, but I will certainly get the Fenistil gel, sounds a good idea to have it around, I'm just too hands on!! Thank you all
504
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 22:40
I've unfortunately had a few of these bites recently and always have a bad reaction to them. They usually take about a week to calm down. The pharmacist recommended that I use Fenistil Gel to rub on them and also take an antihistamine which helps. I find that an Evian spray, kept in the 'fridge so that it is really cold, also soothes it. Hope it feels better soon - you certainly have my sympathy ! fenistil and antihistamines are both great if you are itching. When the bite is painful rather than itchy, they don't seem to do anything (for me); presumably the pain is from a different type of reaction. If you've got both (pain and itchy) I guess you need to throw everything at it!
2383
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 22:37
I've unfortunately had a few of these bites recently and always have a bad reaction to them, i.e. very swollen and itchy. Just had one under one of my toes which made wearing shoes very uncomfortable. They usually take about a week to calm down. The pharmacist recommended that I use Fenistil Gel to rub on them and also take an antihistamine which helps. I find that an Evian spray, kept in the 'fridge so that it is really cold, also soothes it. Hope it feels better soon - you certainly have my sympathy ! <em>edited by amelia on 04/02/2012</em>
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 22:22
Thank you so much, I have tried that and will see how it is in the morning :-)
504
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 21:59
don't know for now, but at the time, the best thing seems to be bicarbonate of soda made into a paste and smeared on (because the ant 'bite' is acidic). My poor DS managed to be stung by one when he was lying on his front on the grass. It got him in just the worst place possible; poor lad. These ants make me forget any eco, green, whatever, principles I have; I am quite happy to throw the fiercest chemicals the pest control people have in their arsenal at their lairs just to KEEP THEM AWAY.
 
 

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