What should be done for swelling after a tick bite in a person? - briefly
Clean the bite site with soap and water, apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes to reduce edema, and take an oral antihistamine if itching persists; if swelling expands, is painful, or is accompanied by fever, seek medical evaluation promptly.
What should be done for swelling after a tick bite in a person? - in detail
Swelling that appears after a tick attachment requires prompt assessment and targeted care to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
First, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine) and dry the area. Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes, repeating every hour for the first few hours, to limit vascular leakage and edema.
If the lesion is painful or the swelling expands rapidly, administer an oral non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours, unless contraindicated. For individuals with NSAID intolerance, acetaminophen 500 mg may be used for pain relief, though it does not reduce inflammation.
Monitor the bite for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, purulent discharge, or systemic symptoms (fever, chills). Should any of these appear, initiate a short course of oral antibiotics effective against common skin flora (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate 875/125 mg twice daily for 5–7 days). In regions where tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease are prevalent, consider prophylactic doxycycline 100 mg once daily for 10 days if the tick was attached for ≥36 hours and the patient is not allergic to tetracyclines.
Elevate the affected limb, if applicable, to promote venous return and further decrease edema. Keep the area uncovered and avoid tight clothing or bandages that could restrict circulation.
If swelling persists beyond 48 hours despite the measures above, or if a rash characteristic of erythema migrans develops, seek medical evaluation promptly for possible systemic treatment.