What should be applied to a wound from a tick bite? - briefly
Clean the bite area with a mild antiseptic—povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine—and cover it with a sterile dressing. If redness, swelling, or fever develop, consult a healthcare professional for possible antibiotic therapy.
What should be applied to a wound from a tick bite? - in detail
After the tick has been removed, rinse the bite site with clean running water and mild soap. Pat the area dry with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply a broad‑spectrum antiseptic to reduce bacterial contamination. Suitable options include:
- 2% chlorhexidine solution
- 10% povidone‑iodine (iodine tincture)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol (use sparingly to avoid tissue irritation)
If the skin is broken or the bite is inflamed, cover the wound with a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin or bacitracin. Apply the ointment once, then place a sterile non‑adhesive dressing over it.
For patients at risk of Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections, a single dose of oral doxycycline (200 mg) may be prescribed within 72 hours of the bite. This recommendation applies when the tick was attached for more than 24 hours in endemic areas.
Observe the site daily for expanding redness, fever, joint pain, or flu‑like symptoms. If any of these signs develop, seek medical evaluation promptly for possible systemic therapy.