What should be applied to a wound after a tick bite? - briefly
Clean the bite site with soap and water, then apply a broad‑spectrum antiseptic (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine) and, if needed, a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin.
What should be applied to a wound after a tick bite? - in detail
After removing the tick, clean the bite area with mild soap and running water. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate saliva and debris.
Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Allow it to dry for a few seconds before proceeding.
Cover the site with a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment—e.g., bacitracin, mupirocin, or a bacitracin‑neomycin‑polymyxin B combination. This reduces bacterial colonization and promotes healing.
Secure the ointment with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing (e.g., gauze pad with medical tape). Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or contaminated.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, heat, pus, or escalating pain. If any of these appear, seek medical evaluation promptly; oral antibiotics may be required.
Consider prophylactic measures based on regional disease risk. In areas where Lyme disease is endemic and the tick was attached for ≥36 hours, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, weight‑adjusted for children) may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Document the date of the bite, tick species if known, and any symptoms that develop (fever, rash, joint pain). This information assists clinicians in diagnosing potential tick‑borne illnesses.