How should bites from fleas and ticks be treated? - briefly
Clean the bite site with mild soap and water, then apply a topical antiseptic or corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and monitor for infection or allergic reaction. If symptoms worsen or persist, obtain medical evaluation for possible antibiotics or testing for tick‑borne diseases.
How should bites from fleas and ticks be treated? - in detail
Flea and tick bites often present as small, red papules that may itch, swell, or develop a central puncture point. Immediate care reduces irritation and lowers infection risk.
- Wash the area with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
- Pat dry with a clean towel; avoid rubbing.
Symptom relief can be achieved with topical or oral agents:
- Antihistamine tablets (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg) or oral diphenhydramine for itching.
- Low‑potency corticosteroid cream (hydrocortisone 1 %) applied twice daily for moderate inflammation.
- Analgesic tablets (ibuprofen 200 mg) for pain, taken with food.
Medical evaluation is required if any of the following occur:
- Rapid expansion of redness, warmth, or pus formation.
- Fever, chills, or malaise within 24–48 hours.
- Severe itching, hives, or difficulty breathing indicating an allergic reaction.
- Presence of a tick still attached after 24 hours, especially in regions endemic for Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses.
For attached ticks, follow a standardized removal technique:
- 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 after removal and retain the tick for identification if needed.
After initial treatment, monitor the bite for several days. Persistent symptoms or emergence of a bullseye rash may signal Lyme disease; early antibiotic therapy (doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days) reduces complications.
Preventive measures include regular use of veterinary flea control products for pets, maintaining short grass, and applying insect repellent (DEET 20 % or picaridin 20 %) on exposed skin when entering tick‑infested habitats.