Hello Dear. Most ticks don't carry diseases, and most tick bites don't cause serious health problems. The sooner ticks are removed, the less likely they are to spread disease.
Some ticks are so small that it is hard to see them. This makes it hard to tell whether you have removed the tick's head. If you do not see any obvious parts of the tick's head in the bite site, assume you have removed the entire tick, but watch for signs of a
skin infection. Some tips:
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. If you don't have tweezers, put on gloves or cover your hands with tissue paper, then use your fingers. Do not handle the tick with bare hands.
2. Do not try to smother a tick that is attached to your skin with petroleum jelly, nail polish, gasoline, or rubbing alcohol. This may increase your risk of infection.
3. Do not try to burn the tick while it is attached to your skin.
4. Put the tick in a dry jar or ziplock bag and save it in the freezer for later identification if necessary.
5. Wash the area of the tick bite with a lot of warm, clean water.
6. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, lightly to the wound. It will keep the bite from sticking to the bandage.
7. After you remove the tick, wash your hands really well with soap and water.
When you return home from areas where ticks might live, carefully examine your skin and scalp for ticks. Check your pets, too.
Home treatment to help relieve pain and itching:
1. Apply an ice pack to your bite for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour for the first 6 hours. When you are not using ice, keep a cool, wet cloth on the bite for up to 6 hours.
2. Try a nonprescription medicine for the relief of itching,
redness, and swelling. Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions.
An antihistamine medicine, such as
Benadryl or
Chlor-Trimeton, may help relieve itching, redness, and swelling. Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
3. A spray of local
anesthetic containing
benzocaine, such as Solarcaine, may help relieve pain. If your skin reacts to the spray, stop using it.
Calamine lotion applied to the skin may help relieve itching.
4. After the first 6 hours, if there is no swelling, try putting a warm washcloth on the bite for comfort.
Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you.
All the best
With warm regards
Dr Sanjay Kini