Symptoms and home remedial treatments for fire ant bites

Fire ants are crawlers that can sting and leave you yelling in pain. These ants, true to their name, can leave the skin itchy and inflamed. The intense shooting pain leads to skin irritation and can last for several hours or even a few days. Moreover, people with allergies may find it even more painful to deal with this sting.

In most cases, fire ant stings do not require treatment and heal on its own. Not only humans, these crawlers even attack animals who come in contact with the colonies. There are several symptoms that come with fire ant stings. The mark that is left by these ants is different from other insect bites. Unlike hives and boils left by mosquitos and other insects, the area is left red and looks like pus filled pimples.

Some people may experience extreme symptoms that need to be attended with immediate medical help. These include feeling nauseous, unconsciousness, uneasy breathing and more. However, these serious symptoms only take place when an individual suffers from an allergy or has sensitive skin.

An individual who is stung by fire ant stings can use the following home remedies that are very effective and will suppress the pain:

Wash with water and aloe vera gel – The sting should be immediately washed with cold water and aloe vera gel. This will soothe the pain and reduce the extreme itching. Also, the affected area should be covered with cotton and bandage and also, prevent scratching or itching with the nails.

Apply a cold press – The area that is stung becomes unbearably itchy and a cold press can bring a good amount of relief. Continue to apply the press for 20 to 30 mins and do so every little while. Not only does the cold press bring pain-relief but also helps in reducing inflammation.

Apple cider vinegar – The acid that is present in apple cider vinegar can neutralize the allergenic proteins that are left by the sting. Also, the vinegar packs anti-septic properties that reduce inflammation and swelling on the skin.

Oatmeal bath – Oatmeal is most popularly used treatment for fire ants. Oatmeal has to be added to a bucket of warm water and stirred. This water should then be then poured onto the body. One can also soak in this water for a while in case of severe symptoms. The procedure can be repeated for a few days until the condition gets better.

Stay away from fire ants to avoid stings altogether. In case you come across a nest in your backyard or a trail in your home, call in for pest control help. You may also carry out self-treatment, however, do this with utmost caution.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • 3 tricks to keep a clean kitchen
    Most of the times, we just wipe off the kitchen counter, sink and fridge shelves. But, how sure are you that your cabinet shelves, dishwasher, and storage cupboards are clean as well? The kitchen has many corners, and each needs your timely attention as you can’t take risks when it comes to food. Thus, you need some tips and tricks to maintain your kitchen and keep it spick and span. Here’s how you can do just that. Disposal areas and drains Even if your kitchen has metal sink traps that can stop everything from the vegetable skins to the chicken bones, there is a lot more that can cling on to the drain. This doesn't mean that you will have to look for a plumber—you will just need some baking soda and lemon juice and pour them down the drain together. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then open the sink faucet to clear out the grime. Dishwasher The dishwasher is one of the most important gadgets in your kitchen, and they are very easy to clean practically. You will need to pour a cup of vinegar on the dishwasher floor and run a cycle without any vessels in it. It will loosen up the material deposits that may have accumulated for a long time. In case your dishwasher has a filter, you can scrub it with a soft brush quickly. Knife stand Most homemakers tend to slice out a piece of bread and then sliding the knife back to its stand. Have you ever thought where the crumbs would go? Your knife block requires a good cleaning too and to do that, take out all the knives and give it a gentle shake upside down. If you feel that it’s still quite dirty, you can put some vinegar on a white towel and clean every slot with it. Likewise, look for other areas as well like underneath your oven and fridge, cabinet fronts and the water dispenser as well. Come on, show some love to your kitchen!
  • 3 tips to find the best hearing aids for yourself
    There are a lot of brands in the market that claim to offer the best hearing aids at affordable prices. But the question is how to ascertain which are the best hearing aids available in the market? When it comes to pricing, hearing aids are usually on the expensive side; this makes it important to consider several factors before investing in any hearing aid. Here are few tips that can help you find the most appropriate hearing aids for yourself at a reasonable cost. Market reputation Always check out the brand value that the company has in the market. Good products always lead to a good reputation. If the company has been providing premium quality hearing aids at reasonable hearing aid prices, then you can consider purchasing from them. Retailers and doctors can also suggest you good hearing aids if you are unable to find one. After sale service There are many brands in the market who believe that their liability is limited only until the product is sold. Look for brands that offer both before and after sale service to their customers. So if you ever face any problem with your hearing aid, they can help you with the issues you are facing with your hearing aid. The best hearing aid is always the one that not only helps to hear well but also comes with good service from the company. In such cases, high hearing aid prices are worth it because you get both service and quality products. Research and development This is the most important point that requires special attention. If you are suffering from hearing loss, you should find out how much research and development has gone into manufacturing that particular hearing aid. This is because if a product is not well-researched, then it can never deliver the desired results. The best hearing aid is always the one that has been developed after thorough research and development work. Matching your needs Out of the several hearing aids available in the market, the best one for you will be the one that takes care of your primary concern and is efficient in solving your hearing problems. So don’t just check hearing aid prices, because quality and design are very vital too. Finding the perfect hearing aid that suits all your needs is not always easy. But a bit of research and patience can help you in this regard.
  • What you need to know about streaming cable TV
    The ultimate reason for choosing a streaming cable TV online is to cut down on your cable bill. This is how a cable TV works: all the cable TV lines are connected to one server which delivers the same signal to all the houses and includes all channels by default. The disturbing part is you may not need all those channels provided yet you will have to pay for those you have not watched, and if there is anything wrong with the signals, it causes grains on the screen spoiling its picture tube. Though there are cable connections with modern technology, it is high time to switch over to the online video and streaming services like Hulu and Netflix to experience better viewing, options, and amenities. As there are a wide number of streaming services, it makes it convenient for people to turn to the Internet for their favorite shows. According to a study, almost 50% of households subscribed to video streaming while the same study showed that youngsters between the ages of 14“25  graded internet services higher than cable television. Reasons to choose streaming services over cable TV Including the subscription cost, selective bundling packages and increasing network disputes and poor customer service are also the primary reason why consumers switch to streaming services. Hence, more number of people have started to turn for cost effective alternatives. Observing this decline, the cable operators in the US are seeking to have a tie up with OTT companies to incorporate online programming with cable set-top boxes. But as we all know, the growth of the Internet is occurring faster and has reached every person's home and has become a reliable source beginning with a smart phone to the online total home security systems. You have the freedom to customize your plan and add or remove the channels keeping with your needs. The quality of TV apps is constantly updated depending on customer reviews. Flexibility: Basically, there is no contract being made so you have the liberty to sign up and cancel at anytime and they don't charge a penny as a penalty or termination fee. Moreover, you can watch your favorite channels or programs from anywhere, being at office, waiting at the airport, or during a break by using any multimedia device. Affordable: Unlike the big expensive cable providers that consume hours of time to install, online cable streaming is cost efficient and easy to set up. They are subsequently lower in price, available even for $9 per month. Personalized viewing: This is an amazing opportunity for you to experience streaming service. You can subscribe to your favorite shows and download even when you go offline, there are options to record, pause, and play whenever you want. Moreover, you often get updates on new packages and TV shows recommended for you.
  • Causes of Nose Bleeding and How to Cure It
    Nose Bleeding is a common problem. Some people tend to get scared seeing blood flowing out from the nose. There are rare conditions wherein nosebleed may indicate a serious underlying medical condition. Basically, nose contains several blood vessels that are fragile and bleed easily, even if mildly tampered. Nosebleeds can happen to both adults as well as children who are 3 to 10 years of age. Types of nosebleeds There are two kinds of nosebleeds:
    1. Anterior Nosebleed- The most common type of nosebleed and occurs when the blood vessels located in the front part of the nose get tampered, resulting in bleeding.
    2. Posterior Nosebleed- This takes place when the blood vessels at the back or the deepest part of the nose get ruptured. In such a scenario, there is a flow of blood down the throat. Posterior nosebleeds are relatively dangerous.
    There are so many different causes of nose bleeding. Let us see some of the common causes of the same. Dry air is one of the main causes of nose bleeding. If you live in a dry climate where there is regular use of the central heating system, the nasal membranes tend to dry out. This dryness leads to the formation of crusts inside the nose. When you try to tamper these crusts, it can cause bleeding in the nose. Other common causes of nose bleeding are:
    • Any foreign object stuck in the nose
    • Cold Air
    • Chemical irritants
    • Any kind of allergic reaction
    • Any injury to the nose
    • Frequent sneezing
    • Regular picking of the nose
    • Infection in the upper respiratory system
    • Taking high doses of aspirin
    Some uncommon causes of nose bleeding include:
    • High blood pressure
    • Cancer
    • Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
    • Blood clotting disorders
    Most nosebleeds do not necessitate any kind of medical attention. Nevertheless, you must call for medical attention in case the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes, or in case the nosebleed is a result of some serious injury. Some of the injuries that may lead to nosebleed are a car accident or if someone punches your face. Nosebleeds that happen due to an injury usually indicate a broken nose, any kind of internal bleeding, or a skull fracture. How to stop nosebleeds?
    • Sit and pinch a soft portion of your nose, which is located right above the nostrils, for about 10 minutes.
    • Then lean forward so that no blood goes back your throat.
    • Put an ice pack on the nose bridge.
    • Do not lie down, rather stay upright
  • Here’s what you need to know what GE’s built-in convection ovens
    The GE built-in convection oven is one of the most popular GE kitchen appliances. It has been meticulously designed so that your cooking experience becomes convenient and more enjoyable. Manufactured with a stainless steel body frame makes it robust and also adds a luxurious appearance to your kitchen space. The stainless steel body offers the much-needed support to the convection oven and while the controls are located on the top side of the oven, you can expect features as a boiler, built-in clock, built-in timer, control lockout, digital display in the GE built-in convection oven. The GE built-in convection oven comes with a fast cooking setting which makes heating food a relatively easier task since you can bake or cook any of the recipes in a short time. If you intend to prepare any steamed dishes, the steam sensor in GE built-in convection oven ensures that the job is completed without any difficulty. Three distinct kinds of settings including defrost, sensor cook and speed cook are available in the convection oven and enable to user to experiment with the range of cooking. You can also set custom cook time with My Cycle feature in the convection oven. Built-in convection oven by GE also offers a glass touch control which comes with a sleek console which is easy to use and clean too. It is simple to use these ovens at 120 Volt and can easily be plugged into any wall outlet. This oven comes with a limited one year warranty, and if any issue arises within the warranty period, the product can be replaced or repaired free of cost. The convection oven is available for a base price of $1639 and people desiring to purchase the same can save a fortune on the cost if they consider buying the same either during the holiday season or on e-commerce sites which always have some or the other deal. Also, free delivery charges are offered by most of the vendors. Just ensure that you are purchasing wall ovens from trusted sellers online. Apart from GE built-in convection oven, you can also take a look at other single, double or combination wall ovens in GE Cafe and GE Profile series. The wall ovens produced by GE, either run on gas or electricity. All of the wall ovens are offered in three standard sizes, i.e., 24-inch, 27-inch, and 30-inch. What you pick primarily depends on your kitchen space, cooking requirements, and budget constraints.
  • Things to consider before buying a teeth whitening toothpaste
    Teeth whitening toothpaste is all in a rage right now in the market. Every brand has one of its own and each claim to give you more than perfect results with minimal efforts. This has become a mainstream beauty essential for those looking to enhance their every feature. However, when it comes to tooth color, it is different for each. While everyone wants bright and white teeth, in reality, many people have yellow, gray or even brown teeth. Poor oral health and habits can also lead to discolored teeth. Smoking, intake of tea, coffee, wine and a variety of food items also stain our teeth. So, it is natural for many people to try and make their teeth whiter. Teeth whitening toothpaste is the easiest and the most pocket-friendly way to get whiter teeth as it works way better than normal toothpaste to remove surface stains from your teeth. This toothpaste generally contains certain abrasive ingredients, such as silica, which effectively scrubs the surface of the teeth to make them brighter. Here are a few things that you should consider before purchasing the best teeth whitening toothpaste in town: The drugstore shelves will give you numerous options for the best teeth whitening toothpaste, however, not all best teeth whitening toothpaste are created equally. The active ingredient which is present in the toothpaste is the main factor which determines it’s effectiveness. Most kinds of toothpaste contain one of the following active ingredients that you can choose from:
    • Mild abrasives: As per the reports from the ADA, best teeth whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives like magnesium carbonate, silica, hydrated aluminum oxides and calcium carbonate, which can effectively remove surface stains from your teeth that cause the yellowing. By using the best teeth whitening toothpaste once or twice a week, you can surely get a whiter, brighter smile.
    • Hydrogen peroxide: Famous as the basic active ingredient used in most whitening systems by all dentists, a low-dose version of hydrogen peroxide is renowned for its whitening effect on teeth. The concentration in whitening toothpaste is way less than the amount of single-use products, like the teeth whitening kits, making it a safer option. Hydrogen peroxide produces excellent results and can be safely used on a daily basis. The ADA has specified that hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties, which can cause mild sensitivity in the teeth.
    • Carbamide peroxide: Carbamide peroxide is the compound form of hydrogen peroxide. The most visible difference is that carbamide peroxide is seen to be more effective in the initial period of usage as it’s whitening power can last for up to six hours as opposed to thirty to sixty minutes lasting power of hydrogen peroxide. So if you are looking for quick results, the best teeth whitening toothpaste for you will require to have a higher percentage of carbamide peroxide.
    • Tea tree oil: If you want to have pearly white teeth without chemical or abrasive ingredients, choose a natural whitening toothpaste with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil forms a natural barrier to bacteria, which can cause the yellowing of your teeth.
    • Sea salt: Toothpaste containing baking soda or sea salt help you to naturally combat any stains without any rust to the overall health of your teeth.
    For any teeth whitening product, it is important to remember that it can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Those with sensitive teeth may be more susceptible to potential tooth erosion and demineralization. It is thus, recommended to use any teeth whitening product under the guidance of your dentist. Also any toothpaste, which has the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA) is prima facie, a safer and more reliable option. The ADA Seal of Acceptance shows that the product meets all criteria for safety and effectiveness.