How is a Lyme tick treated? - briefly
Early infection is managed with oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 2–4 weeks; severe or disseminated cases may require intravenous ceftriaxone. Prompt treatment reduces complications and accelerates recovery.
How is a Lyme tick treated? - in detail
Treatment of a tick‑borne Lyme infection proceeds in three phases: immediate removal of the arthropod, early antimicrobial therapy, and, when necessary, extended treatment for disseminated disease.
When a tick is found attached, grasp the head with fine‑pointed tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and clean the site with antiseptic. Prompt removal reduces pathogen transmission but does not eliminate infection risk.
If the bite occurred within 72 hours and the tick was identified as Ixodes species, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, 4 mg/kg for children ≥8 years) may be prescribed as prophylaxis, provided no contraindications exist.
Established infection requires systemic antibiotics. Recommended regimens include:
- Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 14–21 days (first‑line for most patients, including adults and children ≥8 years).
- Amoxicillin 500 mg orally three times daily for 14–21 days (alternative for pregnant patients, children <8 years, or doxycycline‑intolerant individuals).
- Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg orally twice daily for 14–21 days (second‑line for those unable to use doxycycline or amoxicillin).
For late manifestations—arthritis, neurologic involvement, or carditis—treatment duration may extend to 28 days, and intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g daily for 14–28 days is indicated for severe neurologic or cardiac disease.
Adjunctive measures:
- Anti‑inflammatory agents (e.g., ibuprofen) for joint pain.
- Physical therapy for persistent arthritic symptoms.
- Regular monitoring of serologic markers and clinical response; adjust therapy if symptoms persist beyond the prescribed course.
Successful management relies on early recognition, appropriate antibiotic selection, and adherence to the full treatment duration.