What should be done if a tick has bitten, and which tablets are needed? - briefly
Immediately grasp the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and clean the bite site with antiseptic. If exposure occurred in a Lyme‑disease‑endemic region and the removal was within 72 hours, a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline is advised as prophylaxis.
What should be done if a tick has bitten, and which tablets are needed? - in detail
If a tick attaches to the skin, remove it promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping the head as close to the surface as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. Do not twist or squeeze the body, and avoid leaving mouthparts in the skin. After removal, cleanse the site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Observe the bite area for at least three weeks. Record any emerging signs such as an expanding erythema margin, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. Seek medical evaluation immediately if any of these symptoms develop.
When the bite occurs in a region where Lyme disease is prevalent, and the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) administered within 72 hours of removal reduces the risk of infection. The regimen is appropriate for adults and children weighing at least 15 kg; contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. For patients unable to receive doxycycline, amoxicillin (500 mg) taken twice daily for 10 days is an alternative, though it does not provide the same prophylactic efficacy against early Lyme disease.
If the tick is known to transmit other pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia rickettsii in Rocky Mountain spotted fever), clinicians may prescribe doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7–14 days) upon diagnosis. Early treatment is essential to prevent severe complications.
Summary of immediate actions:
- Use fine‑tipped tweezers to extract the tick without crushing it.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic.
- Document the date, location, and estimated attachment duration.
- Monitor for systemic or cutaneous symptoms for three weeks.
- If criteria for Lyme prophylaxis are met, administer a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours.
- For alternative indications or contraindications, follow appropriate antibiotic regimens as prescribed by a healthcare professional.