What to apply to a tick bite? - briefly
First clean the bite with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine and cover with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. Observe the site for redness, swelling, or fever and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
What to apply to a tick bite? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, immediate care reduces infection risk and eases discomfort. First, detach the tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the body, which can release pathogens.
After removal, cleanse the site thoroughly. Use an antiseptic solution such as:
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol
- Povidone‑iodine (Betadine)
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
Apply the chosen antiseptic with a sterile cotton swab, covering the wound for at least 30 seconds. Allow the area to air‑dry before proceeding.
For topical protection, consider one of the following agents:
- Bacitracin ointment – prevents bacterial colonisation.
- Mupirocin cream – effective against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.
- Hydrocortisone 1 % cream – reduces local inflammation and itching.
If the bite area is painful or swelling appears, an oral non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., ibuprofen 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours) can be taken, respecting dosage limits.
Assess the need for systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Current guidelines recommend a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) within 72 hours for bites from ticks known to transmit Lyme disease, especially when:
- The tick was attached for ≥ 36 hours.
- The bite occurred in a region with high incidence of Borrelia infection.
- The patient is an adult or a child over 8 years old.
Monitor the site for the following signs over the next 2–4 weeks:
- Expanding erythema (bull’s‑eye rash)
- Fever, chills, or flu‑like symptoms
- Joint pain or swelling
- Neurological changes (headache, facial palsy)
Should any of these develop, seek medical evaluation promptly; early treatment with appropriate antibiotics improves outcomes.
Finally, keep the removed tick in a sealed container for identification if disease surveillance is required. Document the date of the bite, location on the body, and duration of attachment for reference during any subsequent medical consultation.