How is Fire Ant Allergy Treated?
Avoidance The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid being stung. Here are a few tips:
- Hire a trained exterminator to treat any known IFA mounds in the immediate area; periodic surveillance for further infestation should be performed.
- Fire ant bait, obtained at most hardware stores, can be sprinkled onto mounds or over large areas to prevent new infestations.
- Always wear shoes when walking outside, particularly on grass.
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, close-toed shoes and socks when working outdoors.
Treatment of Acute Reactions
Pustules -- There is no known treatment to prevent the formation of pus-filled blisters (pustules). Once a pustule has formed, it should simply be kept clean and dry, and gently washed with soap and water. The pustule is not infected, but secondary infections from disrupting the pustule are very common. Pustules from IFA stings will heal within three to 10 days.
Large local reactions -- These can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin (ibuprofen), as well as antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Ice can be applied to the area, and the area can be elevated to decrease swelling. Lastly, a topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone 1% cream, can be applied to the local reaction site.
Anaphylaxis -- The treatment of anaphylaxis from IFA stings is essentially the same as treatment of whole-body reactions to flying stinging insects. This includes the use of injectable epinephrine.
Curative Therapy
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, using IFA extract can cure fire ant allergy. This concept is essentially the same as shots for flying stinging insect allergy. Many of the same principles apply.
All people with a history of allergic reactions to insect stings, including children with skin-only reactions and even those with large local reactions, should consider wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet that identifies their medical condition, as well as having an injectable form of epinephrine available for immediate use.
Sources:
deShazo RD, et al. Reactions to the stings of the imported fire ant. N Engl J Med. 1990 Aug 16;323(7):462-6.
deShazo RD, et al. Fire ant attacks on residents in health care facilities: a report of two cases. Ann Intern Med. 1999 Sep 21;131(6):424-9.
Reichmuth DA. Monograph on Insect Allergy. 2003. Pp 133-152.
Freeman TM. Imported Fire Ant Allergy. Lecture given at 2004 AAAAI Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Moffitt JE et al. Stinging insect hypersensitivity: a practice parameter update. JACI. 2004;114:869-886.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
