What should be used to treat a swelling after a tick bite? - briefly
Apply a low‑potency topical corticosteroid (e.g., 1 % hydrocortisone) to the affected area, and add an oral antihistamine if itching is pronounced. Seek medical attention if the lesion expands, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection.
What should be used to treat a swelling after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick bite, the first step is to remove the arthropod promptly. Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and disinfect the site with an alcohol swab or iodine solution.
For the resulting localized swelling, apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes, three to four times daily, to reduce edema and discomfort. Topical corticosteroid creams (e.g., 1 % hydrocortisone) can be applied twice daily if the inflammation persists or if itching is pronounced. Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine 10 mg or diphenhydramine 25 mg, taken every 12 hours, help control histamine‑mediated swelling and pruritus.
If the area shows signs of bacterial infection—purulent discharge, increasing redness, warmth, or fever—initiate systemic antibiotics. First‑line agents include amoxicillin‑clavulanate 875/125 mg three times daily for 7–10 days. In cases of penicillin allergy, doxycycline 100 mg twice daily or a macrolide (e.g., azithromycin 500 mg daily) is appropriate.
Monitoring for early Lyme disease is essential. If the bite occurred in an endemic region, the tick was attached for ≥ 36 hours, and an erythema migrans rash develops, a single dose of doxycycline 200 mg should be administered within 72 hours of removal. For patients unable to take doxycycline, amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for 21 days is an alternative.
Pain relief can be achieved with acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours, provided there are no contraindications. Maintain the wound clean; change dressings daily and keep the area dry.
Seek medical evaluation promptly if swelling expands rapidly, systemic symptoms appear (fever, chills, malaise), or neurological signs develop (headache, facial palsy). Early intervention prevents complications such as cellulitis, tick‑borne encephalitis, or severe allergic reactions.