What to do after a Borrelia tick bite? - briefly
Immediately remove the tick with fine tweezers, disinfect the bite site, and obtain medical advice for possible prophylactic antibiotics within 72 hours. Monitor for fever, rash, or joint pain over the following weeks and report any symptoms promptly.
What to do after a Borrelia tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attachment that could transmit Borrelia, immediate removal is essential. Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. Clean the bite site and hands with antiseptic or soap and water.
Next, document the incident. Record the date of the bite, location, estimated duration of attachment, and any identifying features of the tick (size, life stage). This information assists clinicians in assessing infection risk.
Seek medical evaluation promptly, especially if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic. During the visit, the physician may:
- Perform a physical examination for early signs such as erythema migrans or localized swelling.
- Order baseline serologic testing for Borrelia antibodies, recognizing that early infection may not yet be detectable.
- Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy (commonly a single dose of doxycycline 200 mg) when criteria for high risk are met: bite from an adult or nymphal tick, attachment ≥36 hours, and residence in a region with ≥20 cases per 100 000 population.
If prophylaxis is not indicated, arrange follow‑up appointments at 2‑week intervals for the next 6 weeks to monitor for emerging symptoms. Advise patients to report any new rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, joint pain, or neurological signs without delay.
During the observation period, maintain good skin hygiene and avoid scratching the bite area. Use over‑the‑counter analgesics for discomfort, and apply cool compresses to reduce local inflammation.
Should symptoms develop, the treatment regimen typically expands to a 2‑3 week course of doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime, selected based on patient age, pregnancy status, and drug tolerance. In cases of disseminated infection with neurological or cardiac involvement, intravenous ceftriaxone for 14‑28 days may be required.
Finally, implement preventive measures to reduce future exposure: wear long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested habitats, apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly treat pets and yard areas with acaricides to lower tick density.