Ants. These tiny little creatures seem to be everywhere around us. Whether you are inside or outside your premises, they are capable of nesting between sheets of paper and burrowing the ground, feeding on leftover food. But when threatened, ants defend themselves by delivering a painful sting that can be fatal to those who are hypersensitive to ant venom.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Among the different ant species, fire ants are the most common cause of ant bites and are found in almost every part of the United States and on the entire globe. Technically, fire ants do not really bite. Instead, they sting from their abdomen and inject solenopsin creating a welt with a burning sensation on the area. This venom has cytotoxic, hemolytic, and necrotic properties which causes a localized tissue inflammation. It also contains allergenic proteins that when introduced into a sensitive person it will induce an Immunoglobulin E-mediated response causing the release of histamine and other chemical mediators of the allergic response. In some cases, this may be very severe causing anaphylaxis.

Symptoms begin within minutes and begin with itchiness, lesions, and pustules that arise from the site of the sting. Followed by nasal symptoms, flushing, wheezing, and difficulty of breathing, and generalized edema / swelling which are signs of impending anaphylaxis.

What your Doctor can do for you

The diagnosis is based on the person’s report and medical history. Blood and skin tests will also support the initial diagnosis, although not really necessary. Ant bites are usually managed with antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and calamine lotion to relieve the itching. Blisters are observed as they will eventually excoriate which may lead to secondary infection needing medical attention. Anaphylaxis is treated with a shot of epinephrine to open up the airways. Immunotherapy may also be started to desensitize the person from the venom.

What you can do

Avoidance is always the best method to prevent getting an allergic reaction. Use protective measures whenever you go out for picnics, gardening, or simply walking out of the house. Cool compresses and rubbing an ice cube over the bite site will almost completely relieve the itching. Do not pop the pustules as you are putting yourself at risk for developing infection. If you have previously experienced anaphylaxis with an ant bite, always bring an emergency kit with an autoinjecting EpiPen. Be familiar with the signs of impending anaphylaxis. If you witness someone experiencing those symptoms, call for 911 immediately.