What to do if a tick bite swells and hurts? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine tweezers, clean the site with soap and antiseptic, and apply a cold compress to lessen swelling and pain. If swelling worsens, lasts more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by fever or a rash, seek medical evaluation promptly.
What to do if a tick bite swells and hurts? - in detail
If a tick attachment leads to swelling and pain, begin with prompt removal. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After extraction, cleanse the area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Over‑the‑counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken according to label directions to manage pain and fever.
Observe the site for the next 24–48 hours. Document any changes: increasing redness, a raised ring, pus, or spreading rash. Record the date of the bite, the tick’s appearance, and any symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain.
Seek professional medical care if any of the following occur:
- Rapid expansion of the swelling or development of a bull’s‑eye rash
- Persistent fever above 38 °C (100.4 °F)
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, or neurological signs
- Flu‑like symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Known exposure to areas with high incidence of Lyme disease or other tick‑borne pathogens
A clinician may prescribe a short course of antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) when early Lyme disease is suspected, or recommend additional testing for other infections such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Maintain records of the bite and any treatment received. Follow up with a healthcare provider if symptoms evolve after the initial visit, even if antibiotics were administered. Early intervention reduces the risk of long‑term complications.