1mth old has three fire ant bites... any advice?

Question

We don't know how it happened or how the ants got into the house, but our 1mth old has three fire ant bites on her hand. We found two fire ants inside her sleeper (dead)... Any advice for helping them heal faster or helping ease the pain they must be causing (I've had fire ant bites and they hurt like a *****)?

Answer 1

The treatment for the common local reactions involves trying to decrease the symptoms. This is most often done using hydro-cortisone cream and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help decrease the itching. There is no medication to counteract the venom. In addition, when the blisters break (usually from scratching) the lesions usually do not become infected. However, if one does become increasingly red, evaluation by a health-care provider is needed. If any signs of an allergic reaction occur, the most important thing to do is reach a medical facility as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Vaseline and ice

Answer 3

Keep the kid away from ants...

Answer 4

Well, this is hardly an emergency.  Fire ant bites aren't comfortable, but they are not life threatening unless the baby is allergic.  Make sure the baby is does not have labored breathing, clean up the sleeper, and clean up the room.

They might be a couple of searchers that picked up some spilt milk or spit up.  Cleaning up will get rid of any chemical trails the ants left for the colony to pick up.  To help with the bites make a paste of baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.  Apply the paste to the baby's hand and allow to dry enough so that it will peal off cleanly.  This will raise the poison out of the skin and neutralize it.  Just don't let the baby get any of the mixture in it's mouth because he/she won't like the taste much.

Answer 5

You should consult your Pediatrician, but what they will most likely do is give her Benedryl to stop any allergic reaction.  You can put a topical "benedryl" cream on the bites to ease any swelling and irritation.  Make sure keep an eye out for fever which would indicate a possible allergic reaction to the bites.

Answer 6

ice

Answer 7

Are you sure they are ants? My 8 month old had 3 or 4 bites on her finger and it was a little swollen just a couple days ago and I thought it was ants but i still called her pediatrician, and they saw her that same day and her doctor cut one of bites and took a sample to the lab. So you never really know what it could be sometime. My daughter is outside ALL the time, But you never know what yourr child could be allergic too. Just ring your nurses at the pediatricians office and ask them what you should put on it and more than likely they are going to want to see you.best of luck

Answer 8

tylonel.. vaseline.. aloe vera (from the plant)

good luck hope your baby feels better

Answer 9

Call your daughter's pediatrician and ask what to do.  There might be a mild antihistamine available to help with the pain.

Answer 10

Aloe Vera. Straight from the plant.