What should be done if a tick bit two weeks ago? - briefly
Consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and possible testing for tick‑borne infections. Monitor for rash, fever, joint pain, or other symptoms and report them promptly.
What should be done if a tick bit two weeks ago? - in detail
A bite from a hard‑shelled tick that occurred fourteen days earlier requires immediate assessment and, if necessary, medical intervention.
First, locate the bite area. If the arthropod remains attached, grasp the head or mouthparts with fine tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can leave mouthparts embedded and increase infection risk. Clean the site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.
Second, document any changes in the skin’s appearance. A circular, expanding rash with a central clearing—often called a “bull’s‑eye”—may develop within 3–30 days after exposure. Record the date of onset, size, and progression.
Third, evaluate systemic signs. Seek professional evaluation promptly if any of the following appear: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, nausea, or neurological symptoms such as facial weakness or tingling.
Fourth, consider prophylactic antibiotic therapy. In regions where Lyme disease is endemic and the tick was attached for ≥36 hours, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, weight‑adjusted for children) is recommended within 72 hours of removal, provided no contraindications exist.
Fifth, arrange laboratory testing if a rash is absent but symptoms emerge. Typical protocols include an initial enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by confirmatory Western blot if positive. For other tick‑borne pathogens—Anaplasma, Babesia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever—appropriate serology or PCR tests should be ordered based on clinical presentation and exposure history.
Sixth, follow up with a healthcare professional. Even after a single dose of prophylaxis, a repeat evaluation after 2–4 weeks is advisable to confirm resolution or detect delayed manifestations.
Finally, document the encounter: date of bite, geographic location, tick stage (larva, nymph, adult), and any treatments administered. This information assists clinicians in risk stratification and guides future preventive measures.