How to Disinfect Tick Bites

Working or playing outdoors can introduce you to nasty insects like ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tick bites can transmit various diseases, like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Removing a tick promptly is important, to halt the transmission of the tick's saliva. Because tick bites can lead to infections and disease, keep note of any changes in your health after being bitten.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Water
• Cotton ball
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibiotics

Instructions

1. 

   Cleanse the bite.

   Wash the affected bite area with antibacterial soap and water. Allow the area to dry.

2. 

   Thoroughly treat the bite with rubbing alcohol.

   Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol. Disinfect the bite with the alcohol to prevent infection. Coat the wound and the skin around the wound.

3. Apply an antiseptic over the bite. Use a hydrocortisone cream to help alleviate itching and swelling.

4. 

   Call your doctor when necessary.

   Watch the bite area for signs of infection. Infection can include a weeping wound, tender skin, or skin that feels hot to the touch. If you develop an infection within a few days of being bitten, notify your physician immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Bumps and itching are normal symptoms of a tick bite.

• Take antibiotics, if administered by your physician.

• Notify your physician immediately when fever, headaches and body aches, chills or muscle weakness are experienced.

• Lyme Disease symptoms may not be noticed for two months after a tick bite.

• Lyme Disease symptoms are flu-like, with fever and muscle pains being the initial symptoms.

References

• Centers for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Stop Ticks

Resources

• Drugs: Tick Bite
• Lyme: Tick Removal