How to treat redness from a tick bite? - briefly
Clean the bite site with mild soap and water, then apply an over‑the‑counter antiseptic or hydrocortisone cream to lessen inflammation; watch for spreading redness, fever, or rash and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen.
How to treat redness from a tick bite? - in detail
Redness after a tick bite indicates local inflammation or a mild skin reaction. The first action is to extract the tick with fine‑point tweezers, pulling straight upward without crushing the body. After removal, wash the site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine.
Apply a thin layer of a mild antiseptic ointment (e.g., chlorhexidine or bacitracin) to reduce bacterial colonization. If the area feels itchy or inflamed, a low‑potency corticosteroid cream (1% hydrocortisone) can be used three times daily for up to five days. Over‑the‑counter antihistamine creams (e.g., diphenhydramine) may also relieve itching.
For persistent discomfort, oral non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen 200‑400 mg every 6–8 hours) or oral antihistamines (cetirizine 10 mg once daily) are appropriate. Ensure adequate hydration and avoid scratching, which can introduce secondary infection.
Seek professional evaluation if any of the following occur:
- Redness expands beyond the bite site or forms a target‑shaped rash.
- Swelling, warmth, or pus develop.
- Fever, chills, muscle aches, or joint pain appear.
- Symptoms persist longer than 48 hours despite self‑care.
Monitoring for tick‑borne diseases is essential. Document the bite date, location, and tick appearance. If the bite occurred in an area endemic for Lyme disease or other pathogens, consider prophylactic antibiotics (doxycycline 200 mg single dose) within 72 hours, following local guidelines.
Maintain a record of the lesion’s progress for at least two weeks. If the redness resolves and no systemic signs emerge, routine care is sufficient. Persistent or worsening signs warrant re‑evaluation and possible laboratory testing for infection.