What should you do about Lyme disease from a tick? - briefly
If you suspect a tick bite, remove the tick promptly and consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and possible antibiotic therapy. Early diagnosis and a brief doxycycline regimen substantially lower the risk of severe complications.
What should you do about Lyme disease from a tick? - in detail
A tick bite that may transmit Borrelia burgdorferi requires prompt action. First, remove the attached tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. Disinfect the bite area and the tweezers afterward.
Observe the site and overall health for the next 30 days. Early symptoms include a expanding erythema migrans rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If any of these signs appear, seek medical evaluation immediately.
A clinician will assess exposure risk, symptom onset, and may order serologic testing. Empiric antibiotic therapy is standard for confirmed or highly suspected early infection; doxycycline for adults and children over eight, amoxicillin for younger patients or those unable to tolerate doxycycline. Typical courses last 10–21 days, depending on disease stage and clinical response.
During treatment, monitor for resolution of the rash and systemic symptoms. Persistent or recurrent joint pain may indicate disseminated disease, requiring extended antibiotic regimens or referral to a specialist.
Prevent future bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, applying EPA‑registered repellents, performing regular body checks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing any attached ticks.