How to treat a wound after tick extraction? - briefly
After removing the tick, cleanse the bite area with soap and an antiseptic solution, then cover it with a sterile bandage. Observe the site for redness, swelling, or fever and seek medical care if any signs of infection appear.
How to treat a wound after tick extraction? - in detail
After extracting a tick, begin by disinfecting the removal instrument with alcohol or boiling water. Grasp the tick close to the skin with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. Once the parasite is detached, place it in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Immediately cleanse the bite area with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine, chlorhexidine, or a hydrogen‑peroxide solution. Pat the skin dry with a clean gauze pad.
Cover the wound with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing to protect it from contaminants while allowing airflow. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. Observe the site for:
- Redness spreading beyond the margin
- Swelling or warmth
- Pus or fluid discharge
- Increasing pain or tenderness
If any of these signs appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Maintain a log of the encounter: date of removal, geographic location, estimated duration of attachment, and the tick’s developmental stage. This information assists health professionals in assessing the risk of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis.
Consider prophylactic antibiotics only under specific conditions—e.g., attachment lasting more than 36 hours in an endemic Lyme area, or if the patient is immunocompromised. A single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) may be prescribed within 72 hours of removal, following local guidelines.
Continue monitoring the site for up to four weeks. Persistent or delayed symptoms—fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, or a characteristic rash—warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate systemic infection.