What should be applied to a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Apply a topical acaricide such as permethrin or a tick‑removal solution directly to the lesion, then cleanse the area with an appropriate antiseptic. Ensure the tick is fully extracted and the site is monitored for signs of infection.
What should be applied to a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
When a tick is lodged beneath the skin, immediate action focuses on safe extraction and prevention of infection. The following steps constitute the recommended protocol:
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Mechanical removal – Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can release pathogens into the wound.
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Disinfection of the bite site – After removal, cleanse the area with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Apply a sterile gauze pad to maintain cleanliness.
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Topical antimicrobial agent – Apply a thin layer of a broad‑spectrum ointment (e.g., bacitracin, mupirocin, or a silver‑based cream) to reduce bacterial colonisation. This step is especially important if the skin appears irritated or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
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Systemic prophylaxis (if indicated) – In regions where Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses are prevalent, consider a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) within 72 hours of removal for adults, provided no contraindications exist. Pediatric dosing follows weight‑adjusted guidelines. Consultation with a healthcare professional is required before initiating systemic therapy.
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Observation and follow‑up – Monitor the site for erythema, swelling, or a “bull’s‑eye” rash over the next 30 days. Document any systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, or joint pain and seek medical evaluation promptly.
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Record‑keeping – If possible, preserve the tick in a sealed container for species identification, which can inform risk assessment for specific pathogens.
Adhering to this sequence minimizes the likelihood of secondary infection and facilitates early detection of tick‑borne diseases.