Ants-one of the tiniest creatures are capable of causing allergy to human body which may sometimes turn out to be severe. The fire ants are usually found in moist ground, edges of a wall and dry sandy area. Fire ants are the stinging insects; they bite as well as sting and the stings of fire ants cause allergy. Fire ant allergy symptoms include swelling, redness and rash at the sting area.
However, this may worsen as the reaction may spread to different parts of the body. A person may be allergic by just a single sting of fire ant or sometimes allergic reaction may not occur until he/she has got stung several times. The allergy caused by fire ants can be categorized in different ways:
- A normal reaction which result in itching, redness, rash and swelling which limits to only sting area.
- Mild reaction which occurs not only in sting area but spreads to different parts of the body.
- Severe reaction known as Anaphylaxis which is a life threatening reaction and results in breathing problem, sudden drop in blood pressure.
Also read: Scorpion allergy symptoms
Your body can develop allergic reactions to fire ants in the following ways.
#1. Itchiness
This is the most common form of allergic reaction of fire ants which result in itchiness over the sting area and in case of a larger reaction; it may spread to the whole body.
#2. Redness of skin
It is the most common with the people who are allergic to fire ants when the skin gets in contact with sting it may result in inflammation.
Continuous stung by fire ants at one place may lead to skin rash also along with redness of skin, further the skin may get swollen but as the time passes the skin may become dry and rough.
#3. Breathing problem
Difficulty in breathing is uncommon symptom of fire ant allergy, but may occur to people suffering with allergic asthma. Person who is hypersensitive to insects may experience more serious symptoms like hoarseness of the voice and even difficulty in breathing. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of fire ant allergy which can turn out to be fatal.
Hives, flushing, swelling in areas away from the sting, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting can also occur to a person suffering from fire ant allergy.
How to avoid fire ant allergy?
- Fire ants are usually found in gardens or in grass so avoid going barefoot in such areas.
- Always cover the food when eaten outdoor.
- Avoid using perfumes with sweet smell.
- Avoid going near garbage areas.
Consult the doctor immediately, if you experience fire ant allergy symptoms.