How are subcutaneous ticks cured? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick is removed by making a sterile incision, extracting the parasite, and cleansing the wound; antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is suspected. Post‑procedure monitoring for inflammation or fever is recommended.
How are subcutaneous ticks cured? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations require prompt medical intervention to prevent infection, tissue damage, and systemic complications. The therapeutic approach consists of three stages: removal, wound management, and monitoring.
Removal
- Use sterile fine‑point forceps or a dedicated tick‑extraction device.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible without crushing the body.
- Apply steady, even traction upward to extract the whole organism.
- If the head remains embedded, a small incision with a sterile scalpel may be necessary to free the remnants, followed by careful extraction.
Wound care
- Disinfect the area with an iodine‑based solution or chlorhexidine.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or mupirocin) to reduce bacterial colonisation.
- Cover with a sterile dressing; change daily or if it becomes wet or contaminated.
- For deep or inflamed lesions, oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7–10 days) are recommended to address potential tick‑borne pathogens.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- Observe for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, purulent discharge, or fever.
- Assess for systemic manifestations of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, rickettsiosis, or babesiosis; laboratory testing may be indicated based on regional pathogen prevalence.
- Schedule a follow‑up visit within 48–72 hours to evaluate healing and confirm complete removal.
Additional considerations include patient education on tick avoidance, proper clothing, and regular skin inspections after outdoor activities. Prompt removal and thorough wound management remain the cornerstone of effective treatment for subcutaneous tick infestations.