What should be done if a bump forms after a tick bite in a person? - briefly
Clean the bite area with antiseptic and cover it with a sterile dressing. If the lump enlarges, becomes painful, or is accompanied by fever, seek medical evaluation immediately.
What should be done if a bump forms after a tick bite in a person? - in detail
After a tick attachment, the first step is to remove the arthropod completely. Use fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can release saliva and increase infection risk. Once removed, clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
Observe the site for any abnormal reaction. Typical signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:
- A red, expanding rash larger than 5 mm, especially if it forms a bull’s‑eye pattern.
- Persistent swelling, warmth, or tenderness that worsens over 24–48 hours.
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain.
- Neurological manifestations like facial palsy, meningitis‑like signs, or difficulty walking.
If any of these indicators appear, contact a healthcare professional promptly. The clinician may prescribe a short course of doxycycline (or an alternative such as amoxicillin for children and pregnant patients) to treat potential Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections. Laboratory testing for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever may be ordered based on regional prevalence and symptom profile.
In the absence of alarming signs, continue daily inspection of the lesion for at least two weeks. Document changes in size, color, or texture. Over‑the‑counter antihistamines can alleviate mild itching, while non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs may reduce localized pain. Do not apply topical steroids without medical advice, as they can mask early signs of infection.
Preventive measures reduce future risk: wear long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested areas, treat clothing with permethrin, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Prompt tick removal and vigilant monitoring remain the most effective strategies to mitigate complications from post‑bite bumps.