Tick Bite, Antibiotic Treatment
Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of rodents, rabbits, birds, deer, dogs and humans. The bite may cause a local reaction like that of a spider, with a small amount of local redness, itching and slight swelling. Sometimes there is no local reaction.
Most tick bites are harmless. Some ticks carry diseases, such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These can be passed to people at the time of the bite. Lyme disease is of greatest concern. Right now you have no symptoms of Lyme disease or other serious reaction to the bite. It is important to watch for the warning signs, which could appear weeks to months after the tick bite.
The healthcare provider will only recommend antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease in certain situations. It depends on your age, where you live, what kind of tick bit you, and how long it was attached. If it is determined that you will benefit from antibiotics, you will receive a one-time dose of an antibiotic called doxycycline. If you cannot take doxycycline, it is not recommended to take an alternate antibiotic.
Home care
The following guidelines can help you care for your bite at home:
- If itching is a problem, avoid tight clothing and anything that heats up your skin. This includes hot showers or baths and direct sunlight. This often makes the itching worse.
- An ice pack will reduce local areas of redness and itching. Make your own ice pack by putting ice cubes in a zip-top plastic bag and wrapping it in a thin towel. Over-the-counter creams containing benzocaine may help with itching.
- You can use an antihistamine with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) if your doctor did not give you another antihistamine. This medicine may be used to reduce itching if large areas of the skin are involved. It is available at drugstores and grocery stores. If symptoms continue, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other over-the counter medicines that may be helpful.
- If you are prescribed an antibiotic by your healthcare provider, it is important to take it exactly as directed.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
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Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur as they may be signs that further treatment is necessary:
Signs of local infection. Watch for these during the next few days:
- Increasing redness around the bite site
- Increased pain or swelling
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as directed by your healthcare provider
- Fluid draining from the bite area
Signs of tick-related disease. Watch for these over the next few weeks to months:
- Circular, red, ring-like rash appears at the bite area within 1 to 3 weeks
- Tiredness, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting
- Neck pain or stiffness, headache, or confusion
- Muscle or bone aches
- Joint pain or swelling, especially in the knee
- Weakness on one side of the face
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