How should you disinfect a tick bite site? - briefly
Clean the bite with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine) and cover with a sterile bandage. Monitor for redness, swelling, or fever and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms appear.
How should you disinfect a tick bite site? - in detail
After removing the tick, wash your hands with soap and water. Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure; avoid crushing the body.
Clean the bite area thoroughly. Apply mild soap and rinse with clean water for at least 30 seconds. Pat the skin dry with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply an antiseptic solution:
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol: soak a cotton swab, press onto the wound for 10–15 seconds, then let air‑dry.
- 2 % chlorhexidine gluconate: apply a thin layer with a sterile applicator; allow it to remain on the skin for 30 seconds before wiping excess.
- 10 % povidone‑iodine: spread evenly over the site; let sit for 1 minute, then rinse with sterile saline if irritation occurs.
- 3 % hydrogen peroxide: dispense a small amount onto the area; let bubble for 30 seconds, then rinse with sterile water.
After antiseptic treatment, cover the site with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or contaminated.
Observe the wound for signs of infection—redness expanding beyond the bite margin, increasing pain, swelling, fever, or a rash. Seek medical evaluation promptly if any of these symptoms develop or if you have not completed a full course of tetanus vaccination within the past ten years.