What should adults take if bitten by a tick? - briefly
Adults should promptly remove the tick and consult a healthcare professional; if the bite occurred in a region where Lyme disease is common, a short course of doxycycline is often prescribed. If symptoms develop, additional testing and treatment may be required.
What should adults take if bitten by a tick? - in detail
When a tick attaches to an adult, the first step is to remove the arthropod promptly. Use fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. After removal, cleanse the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
If the tick has been attached for 36 hours or longer, or if it is identified as a species known to transmit Lyme disease (e.g., Ixodes scapularis), a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) is recommended as prophylaxis, provided there are no contraindications. Doxycycline should be avoided in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, severe hepatic impairment, or in pregnant or breastfeeding women; alternative options such as amoxicillin (500 mg three times daily for 10 days) may be considered under medical supervision.
Monitoring for early signs of infection is essential. Adults should watch the bite area and surrounding skin for:
- Erythema migrans (expanding red rash, often >5 cm)
- Fever, chills, headache, fatigue
- Muscle or joint aches
- Neck stiffness
If any of these symptoms develop within 30 days of the bite, seek medical evaluation promptly. Laboratory testing for Borrelia antibodies or PCR may be indicated.
Adjunctive care may include:
- Over‑the‑counter antihistamines for itching
- Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever
- Topical corticosteroids if significant local inflammation occurs
Documentation of the bite date, tick removal time, and any subsequent symptoms assists healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions.