Replied by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 06/24/2009
About 8 years ago, while camping, I was bitten by fire ants on both my ankles and feet. I empathize w/ u because I can remember the pain and irritation! Even still after all these years. I don't think I had been swarmed but did manage to get rid of the itch and heal the skin with aloe vera gel (from the leaf). When the pustules dried up - I just rubbed the area w/ basic A&D ointment. But since your issue seems to be somewhat dormant, try eating more raw garlic. It's one of nature's "cure-all"...or try Oil of Oregano. Just rub into the area. It can penetrate the dermis and relieve pain and itching quickly.Replied by Cheryl (Houston, TX) on 07/01/2009
Thanks to Tavora for the remedy for my dormant fire ant bite area. I orderd the oil of oregano and am so excited to try it. I have been using several other oils that I have on hand that I purchased due to reading things here on EC. They help somewhat but it always comes back. I will start the garlic today and the oil of oregano when I receive it. I'll post my results!Replied by Alias (Dallas, Tx) on 11/29/2009
Vinegar already mentioned is fairly good, but I find bleach works even better.Replied by Leigh (Australia) on 12/10/2014
Try a paste of activated charcoal, charcoal mixed with coconut oil, that should adsorb the poison.
leigh
Replied by Ladymars (Florida, US) on 12/10/2014
Hi, here in Florida fire ants are a constant pest. Aloe Vera is my favorite treatment for fire ants. I always grow some to have it handy. Just break off a leaf and rub the 'inside' on the bite. It takes away the itching and usually the blisters don't even form. I've never used commercial aloe gel, so have no idea if that would work as well. I've never had to treat a lingering problem either. Hope something will work for you.
Aloe also works well on other insect bites and on athlete's foot. It's cooling and soothing.
Replied by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/10/2014
Ladymars, do you know if there is any difference in the Aloe Vera plant WITH the speckles and WITHOUT them? I have a plant for many years without the speckles (does have the thorns though) and it never did anything for me, not for burns, rashes or anything else. So I got to thinking that maybe the plant with the spots is the effective one. Anyone know?Replied by Ladymars (Florida, Us) on 12/10/2014
Hi Mmsg, just went out to take a look! My plants have light green blotches and the small 'thorns' on the edges of the 'leaves'. At certain times of year, they also get small dark spots on the leaves that go away in a while. Just checked online, didn't realize how many types of Aloe there were! Just learned there are over 300 types but only a few have medicinal properties. Also just learned that technically aloe vera is not a cactus but in the lily family. Who knew? But that's the same family as onions and garlic, all good things.
Wish I could send you some. Grows fast and spreads - have given away a lot over the years. But anyway, this is definitely the one that works!
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7821851_do-aloe-plants-medicinal-properties.html
Replied by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/10/2014
Ladymars, so I guess I have the wrong one. It's also interesting that mine never flowered in all the years that I have it.
