How to treat a subcutaneous tick that causes acne? - briefly
First, remove the embedded tick with sterile forceps or a fine scalpel and disinfect the wound. Then, apply a topical antibiotic and, if inflammation or secondary infection appears, take a short course of oral antibiotics.
How to treat a subcutaneous tick that causes acne? - in detail
A buried tick beneath the skin can provoke inflammatory papules that resemble acne. Prompt, systematic care reduces infection risk and accelerates healing.
First, confirm the presence of a tick. Look for a firm, raised nodule often surrounded by redness or pustules. Palpate gently; a hard central core indicates the arthropod’s mouthparts.
Removal procedure
- Disinfect the area with an antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine).
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward traction until the organism separates completely.
- Inspect the specimen; if any mouthparts remain embedded, repeat the process or seek professional extraction.
Post‑extraction care
- Clean the wound again with antiseptic.
- Apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or mupirocin).
- Cover with a sterile gauze pad if the site is exposed.
- Change dressing daily and monitor for increased redness, swelling, or pus formation.
Management of acne‑like lesions
- If inflammatory papules persist, introduce a topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce follicular blockage.
- For secondary bacterial infection, oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7–10 days) may be prescribed.
- In cases of severe inflammation, a short course of systemic corticosteroids can blunt the immune response, but only under medical supervision.
Follow‑up and prevention
- Schedule a follow‑up visit within 3–5 days to verify complete removal and assess wound healing.
- Educate on tick‑avoidance strategies: wear long sleeves, use permethrin‑treated clothing, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor exposure.
- Store removed ticks in a sealed container for identification if disease transmission is suspected; report to local health authorities.
Adhering to this protocol minimizes complications, resolves the acne‑like eruption, and prevents tick‑borne illnesses.