How to treat bites from house ticks? - briefly
Immediately wash the bite with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic ointment. Observe the site for increasing redness, fever, or a rash and consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms emerge.
How to treat bites from house ticks? - in detail
When a tick attaches inside the home, the first action is to remove the arthropod promptly. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. After extraction, cleanse the bite area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine.
Observe the site for the next 24–48 hours. If redness expands, a rash develops, or a fever appears, seek medical evaluation. These signs may indicate infection with pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or Rickettsia species.
Medical management typically includes:
- Prescription of doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days) for suspected bacterial infections, unless contraindicated.
- Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever.
- Topical corticosteroids for localized inflammation, if recommended by a clinician.
If the bite is uncomplicated, supportive care suffices:
- Keep the area dry and covered with a sterile bandage.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Documentation of the bite date, location on the body, and any visual changes assists healthcare providers in diagnosis.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents:
- Regularly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams where ticks may hide.
- Wash bedding and pet bedding in hot water weekly.
- Use indoor‑safe acaricide sprays in cracks and baseboards, following label instructions.
- Perform routine inspections of pets and household members after outdoor exposure, promptly removing any attached ticks.
Prompt removal, diligent wound care, and monitoring for systemic symptoms constitute the core strategy for managing indoor tick bites. Early medical intervention when indicated minimizes the risk of serious disease.