Ticks feed on blood and spread infection, most commonly Lyme disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Tick bites may become infected in one of three ways: as a result of an infected tick, when removing the tick or during the process of healing. An infected tick bite must be treated to prevent further complications. They often can be treated at home with herbal remedies or over-the-counter products. Surface infections are often treated with antibiotic or antiseptic ointments while viral or blood infections — such as Lyme disease — require professional medical treatment.
Symptoms of an infected tick bite include redness and swelling around the bite area or the presence of pus at the infection site. The area should be thoroughly cleaned and examined to ensure the entire tick was removed. Taking garlic internally can help heal the infection via garlic’s natural antiviral and antibiotic properties. One should clean the area regularly with hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial ointments using either over-the-counter products or natural remedies. Pure essential oils or ointments containing lavender, eucalyptus or calendula may be helpful in treating an infected tick bite, while herbal poultices may be used to alleviate pain, swelling and itching and to promote healing.
Tick bites may cause internal bacterial infections such as Lyme disease and require immediate medical treatment from a qualified health care provider. The most common symptom of this type of infection is the presence of a bullseye lesion around the tick bite area or anywhere on the body between three and 30 days after the bite occurred. Additionally, a red, raised rash may be present on the torso, even if the bite occurred elsewhere on the body. Flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, chills, muscle weakness or stiffness, joint pain, fever, sore throat, an enlarged spleen or lymph glands and severe headaches are additional symptoms associated with Lyme disease. This type of infection requires oral antibiotic treatment and is most commonly treated with tetracycline, amoxicillin or erythromycin unless the infection has advanced to the point that it requires intravenous antibiotics.
Increasing the body’s natural immunity with echinacea, zinc and vitamin C may help to speed recovery. Acidophilus supplements may help to support the digestive system during antibiotic treatments. If an infected tick bite is not healing or if it is accompanied by a bullseye rash, fever or flu-like symptoms, immediate medical attention is required. If the infection is left untreated, it may spread and antibiotic treatment may not be as effective. One should contact a health care provider if the infection site is not healing, symptoms worsen or there are any concerns about personal health.