What should be applied to a tick bite site after removal in a person? - briefly
Clean the wound with an antiseptic (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine) and then cover it with a sterile gauze or bandage.
What should be applied to a tick bite site after removal in a person? - in detail
After a tick has been extracted, the bite area should be cleaned promptly. Wash the skin with soap and running water, then rinse thoroughly. Apply an antiseptic solution—such as 70 % isopropyl alcohol, povidone‑iodine, or chlorhexidine gluconate—to the wound. Allow the disinfectant to remain in contact for at least 30 seconds before wiping away excess.
Once the site is disinfected, cover it with a thin layer of a topical antimicrobial ointment. Options include bacitracin, mupirocin, or a bacitracin‑neomycin‑polymyxin B combination. The ointment helps prevent bacterial colonization and reduces the risk of secondary infection.
Secure the treated area with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing or a clean gauze pad. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. Keep the bite site dry and avoid scratching or applying irritants.
Observe the wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or escalating pain. Also monitor for systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or a rash resembling a bull’s‑eye. If any of these develop, seek medical evaluation promptly, as they may indicate Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections.
In regions where Lyme disease is prevalent, some clinicians recommend a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) within 72 hours of removal for high‑risk exposures. This systemic prophylaxis is separate from the topical care described above and should be administered only under medical guidance.
Overall, the post‑removal protocol consists of thorough cleansing, antiseptic application, antimicrobial ointment, protective dressing, and vigilant monitoring for complications.