What to do if a tick bite caused Lyme disease? - briefly
Consult a healthcare professional promptly for diagnostic testing and begin an appropriate antibiotic regimen, such as doxycycline; continue to monitor for fever, rash, joint pain, or neurological symptoms and report any changes to your doctor.
What to do if a tick bite caused Lyme disease? - in detail
A bite from an infected tick requires prompt medical assessment. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as the bite is recognized, especially if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if the rash typical of early infection (erythema migrans) appears. Bring the tick, if possible, for identification; note the date of the bite and any symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain, or muscle aches.
The clinician will confirm diagnosis through clinical evaluation and, when indicated, serologic testing (ELISA followed by Western blot). If infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, initiate antibiotic therapy without delay. Recommended regimens include:
- Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 10–21 days (first‑line for adults and children over 8 years).
- Amoxicillin 500 mg orally three times daily for 14–21 days (alternative for pregnant patients, infants, or those intolerant to doxycycline).
- Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg orally twice daily for 14–21 days (second‑line option).
Monitor response to treatment daily. Resolution of the skin lesion typically occurs within a few weeks; systemic symptoms should improve within days of starting antibiotics. If fever, joint swelling, or neurological signs persist beyond the treatment course, arrange follow‑up testing and consider extended or alternative antimicrobial therapy.
Document all medications, dosage, and duration in a personal health record. Report any adverse reactions to the prescribing clinician promptly. For persistent joint pain or neurologic deficits, referral to a rheumatologist or neurologist may be necessary for specialized management.
Prevent further exposure by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants in endemic areas.
- Applying EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Performing thorough body checks after outdoor activities; remove attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
- Treating clothing and gear with permethrin.
Maintain awareness of local tick activity reports and consider seasonal prophylaxis with a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) within 72 hours of an identified bite, if recommended by public‑health guidelines.
Adhering to these steps reduces the risk of chronic complications and supports full recovery.