Found an embedded tick in the back of my upper arm on Saturday. Not engorged, not a nymph. My husband removed with metal tick remover, but think mouthparts still remained. Tick was walking but could not see front pinchers,
Had leftover doxy so took 100mg X2 the last two days but could not reach my SF Lyme doc this AM so will call my PCP next to see if he can remove any remaining tick parts. Not sure about current recommendations for random tick bite. Am supposed to still be treating for long running babesiosis, but newly prescribed med “not available” so not currently on any other meds. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Most LLMDs still recommend 4-6 weeks of doxycycline or amoxicillin for an engorged tick, but I wouldn’t take any chances and would want that regimen regardless
Blessings!
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
Here’s Tincup’s “Treat The Bite” website that explains treatments for tick bites. Lots of other valuable information too! Also, be sure to take pictures of the tick and your tick bite for documentation.
ILADS does make recommendations for each of these clinical situations
ILADS recommends against the use of a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline for the prevention of Lyme disease. Not only is it unlikely to be highly efficacious, in the human trial failed therapy led to a seronegative disease state.
Based on animal studies, ILADS recommends that known blacklegged tick bites be treated with 20 days of doxycycline (barring any contraindications).
Given the low success rates in trials treating EM rashes for 20 or fewer days, ILADS recommends that patients receive 4-6 weeks of doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime. A minimum of 21 days of azithromycin is also acceptable, especially in Europe. All patients should be reassessed at the end of their initial therapy and, when necessary, antibiotic therapy should be extended.