How to cauterize a wound after a tick bite? - briefly
Clean the bite area, remove the tick, and sterilize a cautery instrument; then apply direct heat to the wound until bleeding stops, taking care not to damage surrounding tissue.
How to cauterize a wound after a tick bite? - in detail
Cauterization of a lesion produced by a tick attachment requires strict aseptic technique, adequate equipment, and awareness of potential complications.
First, verify that the tick has been fully removed. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Inspect the site for residual parts; any remaining fragments increase infection risk and must be addressed before proceeding.
Second, cleanse the area. Apply a sterile antiseptic solution—chlorhexidine gluinate 0.5 % or povidone‑iodine 10 %—and allow it to dry. Do not scrub aggressively; gentle irrigation removes debris while preserving tissue integrity.
Third, select a suitable cautery device. Options include:
- Electrocautery pen – battery‑powered, tip temperature adjustable up to 800 °C.
- Thermal cautery stick – disposable, pre‑heated to a fixed temperature (≈600 °C).
- Chemical cauterant – silver nitrate sticks, applied for a few seconds.
For electrocautery, set the power to a low‑medium setting (30–40 W) to avoid excessive tissue loss. Position the tip perpendicular to the wound surface, contacting the edges of the puncture. Activate the current for 1–2 seconds, creating a shallow, white‑gray coagulation zone that seals small blood vessels and destroys residual tick saliva.
If using a thermal stick, press the heated tip against the wound margin for 1 second, then withdraw and allow the coagulum to solidify. Repeat around the circumference until the entire opening is sealed.
When employing a silver nitrate stick, apply gentle pressure for 2–3 seconds, then rinse with sterile saline to stop the reaction. This method is appropriate for superficial lesions where heat generation may cause unnecessary discomfort.
After cauterization, cover the site with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing. Monitor for signs of infection—redness extending beyond the margin, increasing pain, purulent discharge, or fever—and seek medical attention if any develop. Document the procedure, including device used, settings, and duration of application, for future reference.
Finally, educate the patient on wound care: keep the area dry for 24 hours, then clean daily with mild antiseptic, re‑apply dressing, and avoid scratching or pressure. Completion of a tetanus booster within five days is recommended if immunization status is uncertain.