Ant Bite Follow-Up Guide: What Parents Need to Know 

Understanding Ant Bites

What is it? 

Ant bites, especially from fire ants, cause painful, itchy bumps. Most are mild but some can lead to swelling or pustules (blisters).

What to Expect:

• Pain/burning at bite site (lasts ~10 mins)
• Itching (can last a week)
• Red bump or blister forms within 30 minutes
• Pustules (pus-filled bumps) may appear by 24–48 hours
• Swelling can worsen for 48 hours and last up to 7 days

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's Ant Bite(s) at home when:

• Mild or moderate swelling
• No trouble breathing or swallowing
• No signs of infection (like worsening redness after 48 hrs)

How to Treat at Home 

• Don’t pop blisters – Let them dry on their own
• Cool compresses – To ease pain or swelling
• Keep area clean and uncovered

Safe Medications

• Itching: 1% hydrocortisone cream (3x/day), oral Zyrtec if >6 months
• Pain: Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed
• Broken Blisters: Clean + antibiotic ointment (3x/day for 1–2 days)

When to Contact Poppins 

📱 Contact us again when:

• Pustules worsening or concerning
• Swelling not improving after 48 hours
• Unsure if joint swelling needs steroids
• Concerned or unsure about next steps

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

• Swelling across wrist/ankle: May need a short course of oral steroids (prescribed)
• Bite site looks infected (worsening redness, pus, or fever)
• Symptoms not improving after 7 days
• Persistent severe itching or discomfort

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child develops: 

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Face swelling or hives all over
• Vomiting, dizziness, or fainting

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.