Ant stings. Close-up of three ant stings on the ankle of a 54-year-old woman, two days after she was stung by a fire ant (Solenopsis sp.). This ant is found in South America and in southern North America. It grasps its victim's flesh with its jaws, then arches its back and inserts the sting on its abdomen under the skin, injecting a toxic venom. The ant usually inflicts several stings, often in a circular pattern. These cause a burning pain and an itchy blister, often accompanied by severe inflammation. Cleaning the stings prevents secondary bacterial infection, whilst topical steroid creams and antihistamine tablets relieve the itching. Photographed in the USA.