How to treat bites from moose lice on a person? - briefly
Clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply an antiseptic ointment and a low‑potency corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. If symptoms worsen or an allergic reaction develops, obtain medical evaluation promptly.
How to treat bites from moose lice on a person? - in detail
Moose louse (Dermacentor spp.) bites on humans cause localized irritation, itching, and sometimes secondary infection. Immediate care focuses on reducing inflammation, preventing bacterial invasion, and promoting wound healing.
First‑aid measures
- Clean the area with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove debris and saliva.
- Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine for 30 seconds, then rinse.
- Pat dry with a sterile gauze pad.
Symptom relief
- Administer a topical corticosteroid (e.g., 1% hydrocortisone) to diminish erythema and pruritus.
- Use an oral antihistamine (cetirizine 10 mg or diphenhydramine 25–50 mg) for systemic itching, especially if multiple bites are present.
- For pain, consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to dosage guidelines.
Monitoring for complications
- Observe the bite site for increasing redness, swelling, pus formation, or fever, which may indicate bacterial infection.
- If signs of infection appear, initiate a short course of oral antibiotics targeting common skin flora (e.g., cephalexin 500 mg four times daily for 5 days).
- In rare cases, systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis require immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine.
Preventive steps for future exposure
- Wear long sleeves and trousers when walking in moose habitats.
- Apply a permethrin‑based insect repellent to clothing and skin.
- Perform a thorough body check after outdoor activities; remove any attached lice promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out.
Long‑term care