After removing a tick, what should you do next?

After removing a tick, washing the area with soap and water is essential for several important reasons. First, it helps to clean the bite area, reducing the risk of infection or irritation from bacteria that may be on the skin or the tick itself. Thoroughly cleaning the site is critical because even after the tick is removed, there may still be remnants, including parts of the tick's mouth, that can lead to infection.

Additionally, washing the area helps to minimize the risk of transmitting any diseases that the tick may carry. Some tick-borne diseases can be transmitted shortly after a tick attaches, so making sure the bite area is clean is a proactive measure to protect your health.

Applying ice, covering the area with a bandage, or leaving it untreated are not the recommended steps immediately after tick removal. Ice might relieve localized swelling but won't effectively prevent infection. Bandaging the area isn't necessary unless there's a significant wound, and leaving it untreated neglects the critical step of cleaning the site promptly.