How should an interfollicular tick be treated? - briefly
«Remove the interfollicular tick using fine‑pointed forceps, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure». Afterwards, clean the site with antiseptic and monitor for rash or fever, initiating antibiotic therapy if Lyme disease is suspected.
How should an interfollicular tick be treated? - in detail
The removal of a tick attached to the interfollicular skin region requires prompt, precise action to minimise pathogen transmission and tissue injury.
A sterile fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal device should be employed. Grip the parasite as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen. Apply steady, upward traction until the mouthparts detach completely. Do not twist or jerk, as this may cause partial detachment and increase the risk of pathogen inoculation.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Inspect the removed specimen for retained mouthparts; if fragments remain, consider referral to a medical professional for surgical removal.
Monitoring for signs of infection or tick‑borne disease is essential. Record the date of removal and, if known, the tick’s developmental stage. Typical observation periods include:
- 24 hours: check for local erythema, swelling, or necrosis.
- 48 hours: assess for expanding rash, fever, or malaise.
- 7 days: evaluate for systemic symptoms indicative of early Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other regional infections.
If the tick was attached for more than 36 hours, or if the individual resides in an area endemic for Lyme disease, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) may be prescribed as prophylaxis, provided there are no contraindications. Alternative antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or cefuroxime) are appropriate for patients unable to receive doxycycline.
Documentation should include:
- Species identification, if possible.
- Duration of attachment.
- Anatomical location of the bite.
- Treatment administered and follow‑up schedule.
In cases of allergic reaction, an antihistamine or a short course of corticosteroids may be warranted. Persistent or worsening symptoms necessitate immediate medical evaluation and laboratory testing for tick‑borne pathogens.