A lump after a tick bite in a person, what should be done? - briefly
Any persistent bump at a tick bite site requires prompt medical assessment to rule out infection such as Lyme disease. The clinician will examine the lesion, may prescribe antibiotics, and will schedule appropriate follow‑up.
A lump after a tick bite in a person, what should be done? - in detail
A raised area that appears after a tick attachment requires prompt evaluation. First, confirm that the tick has been fully removed; any remaining mouthparts can provoke ongoing inflammation. Inspect the site for redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, which may indicate infection or an allergic response.
If the nodule is small, non‑painful, and shows no signs of spreading, observe it for 24–48 hours. Document any changes in size, color, or sensation. Persistent growth, increasing pain, or the development of a “bull’s‑eye” rash (target lesion) warrants immediate medical attention.
When consulting a clinician, expect the following steps:
- Physical examination of the bite area and surrounding skin.
- Inquiry about the tick’s geographic origin and duration of attachment (≥ 24 hours raises the risk of disease transmission).
- Laboratory testing if Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑borne infections are suspected (e.g., ELISA and Western blot for Borrelia, PCR for rickettsial agents).
- Prescription of doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days) for early Lyme disease or other appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Administration of a short course of oral corticosteroids if an allergic inflammatory nodule is prominent and unresponsive to antihistamines.
- Surgical excision for a persistent, enlarging mass that does not resolve with medical therapy, to obtain histopathology and rule out atypical reactions.
Preventive measures include regular body checks after outdoor activities, prompt tick removal with fine‑point tweezers, and use of repellents containing DEET or permethrin. Early detection and appropriate management reduce the likelihood of complications such as disseminated Lyme disease, cellulitis, or chronic skin lesions.