What to apply to tick bites? - briefly
First, cleanse the area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Afterward, cover with a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin) or a mild corticosteroid cream, and observe for any rash or fever.
What to apply to tick bites? - in detail
When a tick attaches to skin, the immediate priority is to remove the arthropod and then treat the wound to reduce infection risk and alleviate symptoms. Follow these steps in order:
- Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- After removal, clean the bite area with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin, neomycin, or mupirocin) to the exposed skin. This creates a barrier against bacterial colonisation.
- Cover the site with a sterile adhesive bandage to protect it from external contaminants.
- If itching or mild inflammation develops, treat with an over‑the‑counter hydrocortisone cream (1 %) or a non‑sedating antihistamine tablet (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg).
- Monitor the bite for signs of infection—redness spreading beyond the margin, increasing pain, swelling, or fever. Should any of these appear, seek medical evaluation promptly; systemic antibiotics may be required.
Additional considerations:
- A single dose of oral doxycycline (200 mg) is recommended for individuals at high risk of Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses, provided there are no contraindications.
- For children under eight years or pregnant women, amoxicillin (500 mg) serves as an alternative prophylactic agent when indicated.
- Document the date of the bite, the tick’s appearance, and any geographic information; this information assists healthcare providers in assessing disease risk.
Proper wound care combined with appropriate pharmacologic measures minimizes complications and supports rapid recovery after a tick encounter.