Did you get bit by an ant? Do you need to know, “How to Get Rid of Ant Bites Overnight?”
If you were bit by a fire ant, it will hurt more, but do you need medical attention?
In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about how to get rid of ant bites overnight.
How to Get Rid of Ant Bites Overnight
Ice the area and apply a cream or lotion as strong as hydrocortisone or a natural solution like calamine. Cover the bite and compress it. An antihistamine can reduce itching and swelling. Scratching will prolong the effects of the bite.
Unless you have an allergic reaction, a fire ant bite will go away on its own, but you can always help to soothe and heal it.
Do Ant Bites Hurt?
Ant bites can range from a slight sting to a hot and painful reaction with swelling or itchiness. Most bites from many ant species last a short time, but are still uncomfortable.
A fire ant bite would hurt more, but it doesn’t mean that you need to rush to the hospital. Antihistamines can reduce swelling, pain and itchiness. Ice and compression will also help speed up healing.
What Are Some Ant Bite Remedies?
Do you wish to find out some home remedies for ant bites? Let’s list 13 items that you may find easily to treat an ant bite. You may already have most of the items in your home right now. Here they are:
1. Ice
2. Vinegar
3. Toothpaste
4. Aspirin
5. Tea Bags
6. Tea Tree Oil
7. Salt
8. Alcohol
9. Calamine
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
11. Soap Bar
12. Aloe Vera
13. Baking Soda
The list is long, but some of our favorites include ice at first, then toothpaste to reduce itching. Tea Tree Oil provides quick healing properties and calamine lotion creates a soothing effect.
Remember that you can always take an oral antihistamine to reduce itchiness or swelling. Please do not scratch the bite, you will only prolong it or make it worse.
What Helps Ant Bites Go Away Faster?
Baking soda can help when you mix it with water to create a paste. Apply this paste onto your ant bite to help speed the healing.
Baking soda is a disinfectant and will help to stop or soothe the itchiness you are feeling from the ant bite. You can also add lemon juice or vinegar with water and baking soda to create a stronger paste.
These home remedies are not scientifically proven with extensive studies, they are age-old remedies that have been passed on through the generations. If you have any hydrocortisone cream, you can apply that instead.
How Long Will an Ant Bite Last?
Ant bite durations depend on the species of ant that has bitten you. A sting from a fire ant would last longer because they release more venom into your skin.
The entire process of relieving or seeing an ant bite disappear from your skin can last anywhere from three days to a full week.
A fire ant’s sting could take a little longer, but you can always assist by applying ice, compression and a soothing cream or lotion that is naturally derived or pharmaceutically prescribed. Two examples are calamine lotion for a natural remedy and hydrocortisone cream for a common medicinal and topical ointment.
Does Toothpaste Help Ant Bites?
Yes. Toothpaste is a quick and convenient solution to apply to ant bites. I personally use it for all kinds of bug bites including mosquitoes. The important thing is to not keep it on your skin for a long period of time.
Keep toothpaste on the bite for 10 minutes to an hour for the mint present in toothpaste to soothe the itchiness or stinging feeling. It helps to neutralize the poison.
Wash off the toothpaste and apply other lotions, oils or topical ointments when they become available to you. Once you get a chance to go to the store, you can purchase:
- tea tree oil
- calamine lotion
- hydrocortisone cream
Does Rubbing Alcohol Help Ant Bites?
Rubbing alcohol can help disinfect ant bites. The sting can continue to swell for another couple of days. A secondary infection can occur as well. This is why we choose to use rubbing alcohol right away when we are stung by an ant.
Sometimes the application of rubbing alcohol creates more pain upfront. This pain is worth it if you know that the area will be disinfected.
You do not need to apply rubbing alcohol again after the initial application. Focus on icing the area with compression by way of a bandage to help speed the healing.
Should I Pop an Ant Bite?
Although an ant bite can develop a blister, you should never pop it. Accidentally popping a blister happens from time to time. It creates an open wound. You will need to wash the area with antibacterial soap.
You can also use a topical ointment that contains hydrocortisone cream. Your aim is to prevent further infection. You should never pop an ant bite on your own. Allow for the blister to cover the bite and heal on its own.
Why Are Ant Bites Itchy?
An ant secretes formic acid that is bitter, sour, acidic and itchy when it makes contact with an open wound. Once the ant has bitten you, the formic acid may rub off on your skin.
The result is an itchiness that is nothing to be concerned about if you are not allergic. The feeling will go away, but you can always take an antihistamine to help. Ice the area to help relieve the itchiness.
Conclusion
We hope the ant bite goes away soon. Sometimes it lasts for a day and other times it can end up lasting a week. Use ice, compression and please refer to our list of 13 remedies to help you heal an ant bite fast.
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