Got a tick, what to apply? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body. After removal, clean the bite site with an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol and monitor for signs of infection.
Got a tick, what to apply? - in detail
When a tick is discovered attached to skin, act promptly to minimize pathogen transmission.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- Disinfect the bite site and hands with an alcohol‑based solution or povidone‑iodine.
After removal, apply a topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide to the wound. If the bite area is irritated, a short course of a topical corticosteroid can reduce inflammation, but avoid ointments that trap moisture.
Consider oral doxycycline (100 mg once daily for 10–14 days) when any of the following apply:
- Tick species known to transmit Lyme disease.
- Bite duration exceeds 36 hours.
- Patient resides in a region with high incidence of tick‑borne infections.
- Early signs of erythema migrans or flu‑like symptoms appear.
Monitor the site and overall health for at least four weeks. Seek medical evaluation if any of the following develop:
- Expanding red rash, especially with a bull’s‑eye pattern.
- Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain.
- Neurological changes such as facial weakness or numbness.
Document the tick’s appearance and the removal date; this information assists clinicians in diagnosing potential infections.