How to treat a coral tick? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers, gripping it as close to the skin as possible, then cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic. Monitor the area for signs of infection such as redness or fever and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
How to treat a coral tick? - in detail
Coral tick (sea lice) bites require prompt and thorough care to prevent infection and reduce discomfort.
First, confirm the presence of the parasite. The tick appears as a small, dark, oval organism attached to the skin, often leaving a red, irritated area after removal.
Removal should be immediate. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a sterile needle to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Apply steady, gentle pressure to pull it out in one motion, avoiding squeezing the body, which can release toxins. If the tick breaks, clean the area with povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
After extraction, cleanse the wound thoroughly. Rinse with lukewarm water, then apply an antiseptic solution. Cover with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing to protect against secondary bacterial invasion.
Monitor the site for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If any of these develop, seek medical attention promptly. Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin‑clavulanate are commonly prescribed, depending on local resistance patterns.
Pain and inflammation can be managed with non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen. Topical corticosteroid creams may reduce localized itching and swelling, but should be used under professional guidance.
For individuals with known hypersensitivity to marine arthropod venom, antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) can alleviate systemic reactions. In severe cases, epinephrine autoinjectors may be required.
Prevention strategies include wearing protective clothing (long‑sleeved wetsuits), applying barrier creams containing DEET or picaridin before entering coral habitats, and inspecting skin after exposure. Regularly cleaning and drying wetsuits and gear reduces the likelihood of tick attachment.
Documentation of the incident—date, location, species identification, and treatment measures—facilitates follow‑up care and contributes to epidemiological data.
In summary, immediate extraction, antiseptic care, vigilant observation for infection, appropriate pharmacologic management, and preventive measures constitute comprehensive management of coral tick bites.