What should you do if a tick bite does not heal for a month? - briefly
Consult a healthcare professional without delay for evaluation and testing, as a non‑healing bite may signal infection (e.g., Lyme disease) requiring targeted treatment. Follow the clinician’s prescribed course and any recommended follow‑up.
What should you do if a tick bite does not heal for a month? - in detail
If a tick bite has persisted without closure for four weeks, immediate medical evaluation is required. The prolonged lesion may indicate infection, allergic reaction, or transmission of tick‑borne pathogens such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or babesiosis.
First, schedule an appointment with a primary‑care physician or a dermatologist. Bring the removed tick, if it is still available, and any photographs of the wound’s progression. The clinician will perform a physical examination, assess for erythema, expanding rash, necrosis, or systemic signs (fever, headache, joint pain).
Second, request laboratory testing. Typical panels include:
- Serology for Borrelia burgdorferi (ELISA followed by Western blot if positive)
- PCR or serology for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species
- Complete blood count and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) to detect systemic involvement
Third, follow prescribed treatment. Common regimens are:
- Oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days (first‑line for most tick‑borne infections)
- Alternative antibiotics (amoxicillin, cefuroxime) if doxycycline is contraindicated
- Topical or systemic corticosteroids for severe local inflammation, only under physician guidance
Fourth, practice wound care while therapy proceeds. Clean the area twice daily with mild antiseptic solution, apply sterile gauze, and avoid scratching. Monitor for changes: rapid expansion, increased pain, discharge, or new systemic symptoms.
Finally, arrange follow‑up within 1–2 weeks to confirm resolution. If the lesion does not improve, consider referral to an infectious‑disease specialist or a surgical consultation for possible excision of necrotic tissue. Early detection and targeted therapy reduce the risk of chronic complications.