What to do for Borrelia infection from a tick bite? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly, disinfect the site, and obtain medical assessment for early antibiotic treatment (commonly doxycycline) within 72 hours of the bite. Initiate therapy immediately if fever, rash, or joint pain develop, following a clinician’s prescription.
What to do for Borrelia infection from a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick bite, remove the parasite promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. Disinfect the site with an iodine‑based solution or alcohol, then wash hands thoroughly.
Observe the bite area for 24–48 hours. If a red ring (erythema migrans) appears, note its size and exact location, as this is the most reliable early sign of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
Seek medical assessment without delay. A clinician will:
- Take a detailed exposure history (geographic region, tick‑season, duration of attachment).
- Perform a physical exam focusing on skin lesions, joint swelling, neurological deficits, and cardiac murmurs.
- Order serologic testing: an initial enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by a confirmatory Western blot if positive.
If infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, initiate antibiotic therapy according to disease stage:
- Early localized disease (≤ 30 days): oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days, or amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for patients unable to take doxycycline.
- Early disseminated disease (multiple skin lesions, neurologic involvement, cardiac manifestations): oral doxycycline for 21 days or intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g once daily for 14–28 days, depending on severity.
- Late disease (arthritis, chronic neurologic symptoms): oral doxycycline or cefuroxime for 28 days, or intravenous ceftriaxone for 14–28 days if central nervous system involvement is present.
Monitor treatment response weekly. Reduction in lesion size, resolution of fever, and improvement in joint or neurological symptoms indicate efficacy. Persistent or worsening signs require re‑evaluation, possible extension of antibiotic course, or referral to an infectious‑disease specialist.
Prevent future exposure by:
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers in endemic areas.
- Applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, focusing on scalp, groin, armpits, and behind knees.
- Promptly showering within two hours of returning indoors to dislodge unattached ticks.
Documentation of the bite date, tick identification (if possible), and treatment timeline assists clinicians in managing potential complications.