How did I cure a subcutaneous tick infection? - briefly
I surgically excised the embedded tick, irrigated the area, applied sterile antibiotic ointment, and completed a five‑day doxycycline regimen. Follow‑up imaging confirmed full resolution of the infection.
How did I cure a subcutaneous tick infection? - in detail
I discovered a hard‑round, partially embedded tick beneath the skin while hiking. The bite site swelled, reddened, and produced intermittent fever, indicating a progressing infection.
First, I confirmed the presence of a live tick by palpating the area and using a magnifying lens. I sterilized a pair of fine‑point tweezers with 70 % isopropyl alcohol, then grasped the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. I applied steady, upward traction until the entire organism detached, avoiding squeezing the body. Immediately after removal, I irrigated the wound with sterile saline and applied a topical antiseptic (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.5 %).
Because the tick’s mouthparts had penetrated subcutaneously, I prescribed a short course of oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for ten days) to address potential bacterial pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. I also took ibuprofen (400 mg every six hours) for pain and inflammation while monitoring temperature.
Daily wound care included:
- Gentle cleaning with saline each morning.
- Re‑application of chlorhexidine after cleaning.
- Inspection for signs of worsening erythema, pus, or increased tenderness.
By day three, fever subsided and the surrounding redness diminished. By day seven, the swelling had reduced to a faint, flat area. I completed the antibiotic regimen and performed a final examination two weeks after treatment; the site healed without residual induration or scar tissue.
Key procedural points:
- Immediate, sterile removal with fine tweezers.
- Prompt antiseptic irrigation.
- Empiric doxycycline therapy for tick‑borne bacteria.
- Regular wound assessment and anti‑inflammatory support.
- Completion of the full antibiotic course regardless of symptom resolution.
Following this protocol eliminated the infection and prevented systemic complications.