A Lyme tick bit, what to do? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly using fine‑tipped tweezers, disinfect the site, and record the time it was attached. If it was attached for over 36 hours or you are in a Lyme‑endemic region, consult a healthcare professional for possible prophylactic antibiotics and testing.
A Lyme tick bit, what to do? - in detail
When a tick attached to the skin is discovered, remove it promptly. Grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. After removal, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly.
Document the encounter: note the date, location of the bite, and the tick’s appearance (size, life stage, engorgement). Retain the specimen in a sealed container if possible, as it may aid later diagnosis.
Observe for early signs of infection during the next 30 days. Watch for:
- Expanding red rash, especially a bull’s‑eye pattern
- Fever, chills, or flu‑like symptoms
- Fatigue, muscle or joint aches
- Headache or neck stiffness
If any of these manifestations appear, seek medical evaluation without delay. A clinician will consider serologic testing for Borrelia burgdorferi and may prescribe antibiotics based on symptom severity and exposure risk.
Prophylactic antibiotic treatment may be appropriate when all three conditions are met:
- The tick was attached for ≥ 36 hours, as estimated by its size.
- The tick species is known to transmit Lyme disease in the region.
- Local infection rates for the species exceed 20 %.
- The patient is not allergic to doxycycline and can tolerate it.
When criteria are satisfied, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, weight‑adjusted for children) is recommended within 72 hours of removal. Otherwise, monitor and treat only if symptoms develop.
Maintain a record of all actions taken and share it with healthcare providers. Early intervention reduces the likelihood of chronic complications such as arthritis, neurological deficits, or cardiac involvement.