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I Found An Tick On My Back That Was Attached.
Question: I found an tick on my back that was attached. It has been taken off , the area was washed and iodine applied. What do I do now? I did not keep the tick.
Brief Answer:
It depends on duration of attachment of tick to body
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion you have already taken first aid. If the tick was attached for less than 36 hours than nothing more needs to be done. If the tick was attached for more than 72 hours than 200 mg doxyxcycline (antibiotic) can be taken as prophylaxis for Lyme disease.
Also if some rash (bull's eye rash) or fever appears then you will need antibiotics for longer duration.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
It depends on duration of attachment of tick to body
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
In my opinion you have already taken first aid. If the tick was attached for less than 36 hours than nothing more needs to be done. If the tick was attached for more than 72 hours than 200 mg doxyxcycline (antibiotic) can be taken as prophylaxis for Lyme disease.
Also if some rash (bull's eye rash) or fever appears then you will need antibiotics for longer duration.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I do not know how long it was attached, since it was on my back. It was quite engorged.
Brief Answer:
So you can take a dose of doxycycline
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Since it is engorged I think the duration of attachment would be less. In case of doubt, its better to go for a dose of doxycycline. You can see you primary physician for the prescription of antibiotic, if needed in your country.
Dr Vaishalee
So you can take a dose of doxycycline
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Since it is engorged I think the duration of attachment would be less. In case of doubt, its better to go for a dose of doxycycline. You can see you primary physician for the prescription of antibiotic, if needed in your country.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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