Treatment of local skin response to imported fire ant sting

South Med J. 1981 Nov;74(11):1361-4. doi: 10.1097/00007611-198111000-00017.

Abstract

The sting of the imported fire ant (IFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis richteri Forel, produces characteristic sterile pustules. Substantial morbidity and occasional mortality from secondary infection of the IFA pustule(s) or anaphylaxis in hypersensitive persons has occurred. IFAs are found in the southeastern and south central United States. The effects of various medical regimens currently used to treat IFA pustules were evaluated clinically and histologically in rabbits. Neither prophylaxis before the sting nor treatment after the sting altered the clinical or pathologic course of the IFA pustule in rabbit skin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Ants*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / drug therapy
  • Insect Bites and Stings / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rabbits
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*
  • Skin Tests
  • United States