What should be done with a wound from a tick bite? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑point tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible, then cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution and apply a clean dressing. Monitor the area for redness, swelling, or fever and seek medical attention if any signs of infection or tick‑borne illness appear.
What should be done with a wound from a tick bite? - in detail
Remove the tick promptly using fine‑point tweezers. Grip the parasite as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After extraction, clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
Observe the site for at least 24 hours. If redness expands, warmth, swelling, or pus develop, seek medical attention. Document the date of the bite and, if possible, the tick’s developmental stage, as these factors influence infection risk.
Consider prophylactic antibiotics only when all of the following apply: the tick was attached for ≥ 36 hours, it is identified as an adult or nymphal Ixodes species, local infection rates exceed 20 %, and the patient is not allergic to doxycycline. In such cases, a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline is recommended within 72 hours of removal.
Vaccinate against tetanus if the patient’s immunization status is uncertain and the wound is dirty or deep. Administer a booster (0.5 mL intramuscularly) according to standard schedules.
Schedule a follow‑up visit within 2–4 weeks to evaluate for early signs of Lyme disease (erythema migrans, fever, fatigue, arthralgia). If a rash appears, initiate a full course of doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days) or an alternative approved regimen.
Maintain a record of the incident, including photographs of the bite, to aid future clinical assessment.