What should I do if a tick has already swollen? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then clean the site with antiseptic. Monitor the area for fever, rash, or flu‑like symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if any develop.
What should I do if a tick has already swollen? - in detail
If a tick has already become engorged, act promptly. Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or crush the body. After removal, clean the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, sealing it in a plastic bag, or flushing it down the toilet; keep the specimen in a labeled container if laboratory analysis may be needed.
Monitor the area for the next several weeks. Record any of the following symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, rash (especially a bull’s‑eye pattern), joint pain, or swelling of lymph nodes. If any of these develop, contact a healthcare professional immediately and mention the recent tick bite.
Seek medical evaluation if:
- The tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
- The bite occurred in a region where Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑borne illnesses are common.
- The bite site shows signs of infection (redness spreading, pus, increasing pain).
- The individual is pregnant, immunocompromised, or has a chronic condition.
A clinician may prescribe a single dose of doxycycline as prophylaxis for Lyme disease when appropriate, or order serologic testing based on local disease prevalence and symptom presentation. Follow the prescribed treatment regimen exactly and complete the full course of any antibiotics.
After removal, keep the skin clean and dry. Apply a sterile bandage only if the area is bleeding. Avoid scratching or applying irritants. Re‑examine the site daily; if healing does not progress within a few days, return for further assessment.