Fire Ants - 14
Mia - 0
While after painting at pal Leilani's yesterday, Mia happily played in the pool...she kind of Bogarted the hose, then played in the grass. She happened to sit upon a family of fire ants. Nature Happens. Poor baby cried and cried...the only thing that calmed her down was talking to her Ita via cell phone on the drive home. A dose of Benadryl and a nap later, she seemed fine. This morning, she woke up with a very red and swollen foot and had a little limp to got with it. In comes Google:
Usual Reactions These reactions occur in essentially 100% of people stung by IFAs and include localized pain, swelling and redness at the site of the sting. Within 24 hours, a pus-filled blister will develop at the site of the sting. This blister is not infected; it is caused by a component of the fire ant venom.
Large Local Reactions These reactions are probably allergic in nature and occur in up to 50% of people who are stung by an IFA. Symptoms include a large area of swelling, redness, pain and itching at the site of the sting and occur within 12 to 24 hours of being stung.
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.
So, I gave her another dose of Benadryl this morning and decided to take it easy today....inside, and she's been as happy as a clam.
