Auck! I Got Bit By An Ant!!!

[dolphin]

Atleast I think it was an ant. I have 7 really red bits on my left shoulder, arm and well, uhmmmm, yep, there too!

I noticed the bites this morning when I woke up. They are getting more red and puffy now as the day goes by and they "itch" like the devil! I've been putting Campho Phenic on them but the itching is getting worse. One on my inner arm is all red and the redness extends to the size of a half dollar! I don't have much first aid stuff here. What would you suggest?

[luv-my-lexi]

You sure it is ants and not poison ivy (since you say they are getting puffy)?? I hope you are not having some kind of allergic reaction to them. You could soak in epsom salts or an oatmeal bath.

[dolphin]

Nope, definitely not Poison Ivy or Oak. We don't have that here. I'm pretty sure it was an ant since I've been sitting in the garage alot lately with the door open and these little red and black ants are crawling around the floor. The bites are only on my upper shoulder and under arm area. I'm so allergic to so much since my immune system is weak. Just thought about taking a Benedryl but I think I'm out of them. Need to stock up!

[Darlene]

Time of year for black fly bites.

[Buc-O-Mama]

A paste of baking soda and water might make you feel a little better.

[favesis37]

an oatmeal bath? it could be spider bites, or what we call no seeums. good luck

[SewCrafty]

A paste of baking soda and water might make you feel a little better.

I second that! Hope you feel better soon.

[Holly]

Do you have an asprin ( if so crush it and make a paste.
Put it on all the red spots. Hope that works.
Dr told me to do this for my DS

[colemank]

Those are definately ant bites. I live in Nevada too and when I wear my flip flops outside, my feet are forever getting bitten by those nasty little ants we have here! It starts out as a little sting, then intense itching and red spot. Have you tried calamine lotion?

[nerdbynature]

If it is ant bites then put the bites directly under the hottest water you can stand (it will start to itch worse than before but stand there until the itching feeling goes away)this brings the stuff causing the itch to the surface of the skin and washes it away. I once was outside my old house and went to pick up the water hose and felt my foot stinging like mad. I looked down and my whole foot was engulfed by red ants, it was a nightmare. I itched for a straight week, but I could get hours of relief by doing this method! Try it, it's inexpensive and works! Hope you get rid of the itch!

[Mom25]

My daughter had a "mystery bite" on her hand and a friend suggested a paste of cornmeal and vinegar to draw the poison out and reduce the swelling. She didn't smell very good but it worked!