How to Get Rid of an Ant Bite in One Day
Ant bites are no fun but are common problems in warmer weather when ants are out in full force. Ant bites are similar to mosquito bites in that they cause serious itching and redness on the bite area 2. It is very unlikely that you’ll be able to completely get rid of an ant bite in one day, especially if the bite is more serious, but you can severely decrease the size and pain of the ant bite. There are many different ways to heal an ant bite, some requiring medicine and others using home remedy techniques 3.
Wash the ant bite with soap and water, and rinse it with hydrogen peroxide several times during the day (every 4 to 6 hours) before using any other remedies. Cleaning the ant bite removes most of the sting and prevents infection 2.
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Apply an antibiotic ointment to the bite to keep out bacteria which can cause infection.
Soothe the itching of the ant bite by using a paste made from baking soda and water. You can also use vinegar, aloe vera extract, a slice of cucumber, or make a paste with clay and water to ease the itching.
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Reduce swelling by mixing crushed aspirin and water together and placing it on the bite. An ice pack, vinegar or lemon juice also help reduce swelling quickly.
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References
- “Everything First Aid Book: How to Handle Falls and Breaks, Choking, Cuts and Scrapes, Insect Bites and Rashes, Burns, Poisoning, and When to Call 911 (Everything Series)”; Nadine Saubers; 2008
- “Diagnosis and Treatment of Insect Bites (Clinical Symposia, Vol 20, No 3, 1968)”; MD Claude A Frazier; 1968
- “The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies”; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
Writer Bio
Melissa Hamilton began writing professionally in 2007. She has enjoyed cooking creatively in the kitchen from a young age. In addition to writing cooking articles for various publications, she currently works in the restaurant industry as a food and beverage trainer.