What should be applied for tick bites? - briefly
Apply a topical antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine and cover the site with a sterile bandage after removing the tick with fine tweezers; in regions where Lyme disease is common, a single dose of doxycycline may be recommended if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
What should be applied for tick bites? - in detail
When a tick attaches to skin, immediate action reduces infection risk. First, grasp the tick’s head with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After removal, rinse the site with running water and mild soap to eliminate surface contaminants.
Apply a broad‑spectrum antiseptic—such as povidone‑iodine, chlorhexidine, or hydrogen peroxide—to the bite area. Allow the solution to remain for at least 30 seconds before wiping away excess. Follow with a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin, neomycin, or mupirocin to inhibit bacterial colonisation.
If local inflammation appears, a low‑potency corticosteroid cream (e.g., hydrocortisone 1 %) can be used to diminish swelling and itching. For systemic itch or mild allergic response, an oral antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine, or loratadine) may be administered according to package directions.
Monitor the site for signs of progressing infection: expanding redness, warmth, pus, or flu‑like symptoms such as fever, headache, or joint pain. The emergence of a erythema migrans rash—characterised by a expanding red ring—demands prompt medical evaluation for possible Lyme disease. In such cases, a physician will prescribe doxycycline or another appropriate antibiotic regimen.
Document the date of the bite, tick removal method, and any treatments applied. Retain this information for healthcare providers should advanced care become necessary.