Local and systemic anaphylactic reactions may occur in individuals who are hypersensitive to fire ant venom. In patients in infested regions who present with anaphylaxis, unnoticed fire ant-sting sites should be sought on the toes and feet. Desensitization with whole body extract should be considered for patients who exhibit anaphylactic responses. It ranges in color from black to light brown and feeds on the blood of vertebrates, usually at night. The bite is almost painless, but if the insect is startled or disturbed as it feeds on the skin, it may inflict a piercing pain.
Therapy is primarily symptomatic.
These caterpillar species possess hairs or spines capable of penetrating skin and introducing venom. The most common symptoms are pain, erythema, and local swelling at the sting site. Itching, blistering, urticaria, and local rashes are occasionally experienced. Less common reactions include pain radiating to extremities, paresthesias, nausea and vomiting, and, infrequently, hypotension and seizures. Urticating hairs or spines can be removed with tweezers or cellophane tape.