From the Guidelines
Treatment for an Ixodidae (tick) bite is indicated with a single dose of oral doxycycline within 72 hours of tick removal in high-risk cases.
Indications for Treatment
The following conditions must be met for treatment to be indicated:
- The tick must be an adult or nymphal I. scapularis tick 1
- The tick must have been attached for at least 36 hours 1
- The local rate of infection of these ticks with B. burgdorferi must be at least 20% 1
- Prophylaxis must be started within 72 hours of tick removal 1
- Doxycycline treatment must not be contraindicated 1
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dose of doxycycline is 200 mg for adults and 4.4 mg/kg (up to a maximum dose of 200 mg) for children 1
- Doxycycline is relatively contraindicated in pregnant women and children < 8 years old 1
Key Points
- Early tick removal may prevent disease transmission 1
- Persons who have removed attached ticks from themselves should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of tickborne diseases for up to 30 days 1
- The risk of infection from tick-borne illness increases with the time of tick attachment 1
From the Research
Treatment for Ixodidae (Tick) Bite
The treatment for an Ixodidae (tick) bite is primarily focused on preventing the development of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis, specifically a single dose of 200mg doxycycline, has been shown to be effective in preventing Lyme disease after a tick bite 2, 3.
- The treatment is typically indicated when the tick bite occurs in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, and the tick has been attached for a certain period, usually more than 36 hours 4.
- The decision to administer antibiotic prophylaxis should be based on the individual's risk of developing Lyme disease, as well as the presence of other tick-borne diseases in the area 5.
Indications for Treatment
The indications for treatment after a tick bite include:
- A tick bite in an area where Lyme disease is endemic 2, 3.
- The tick has been attached for more than 36 hours 4.
- The individual is at high risk of developing Lyme disease, such as those with a weakened immune system 5.
- The presence of other tick-borne diseases in the area, such as anaplasmosis or babesiosis 6.
Administration of Treatment
The administration of treatment after a tick bite typically involves:
- A single dose of 200mg doxycycline, administered within 72 hours of the tick bite 2, 3.
- The treatment should be administered as soon as possible after the tick bite, ideally within 24-48 hours 4.
- The individual should be monitored for signs and symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms 6.