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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Lyme Disease?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jun 2017

Question: Just removed a deer tick on my torso that had to have been attached for at least 48 hours, no rash. Should I treat with a course of Doxycycline?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you should start treatment with dxycycline.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

Related your concern you should know that the deer tick which transmits Lyme disease must feed for >36 hours before transmission of the spirochete.

So, based on your data (deer tick attached at least 48) and given that we cannot rely on seeing the rash as necessary for the diagnosis of Lyme disease I will likely advise you to treat with a preventive antibiotic immediately (with doxycycline).

I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (4 hours later)

What is recommended dose for preventive treatment of Lyme disease?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually, is recommended 200 mg doxycycline.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you for writing back,

Usually for the prevention of Lyme Disease after a tick bite is with a single dose of Doxycycline 200mg (you may need a prescription from your local practitioner for this).

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee