HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Chances Of Getting Lyme Disease After An Insect Bite?

default
Posted on Sat, 4 Jul 2015
Question: I was bitten by an insect on May 4th. This has not gone away and the lynph nodes became swollen in the back of my neck where I was bitten and also the front of my neck. I then went to see my Doctor on the 28th of May. She put me on amoxacillin with potassium for 10 days along with benadryl. The swelling has gone done, but bites are still there. She has now put me on vibramycin, 100 mg, in case I have lyme disease. All my blood work came back excellent. I am a little leary about taking this. What do you think?



Should I be taking vibramycin for lyme disease if the doctor is not sure. I had an insect bite on May 4 on the back of my neck. My lymph nodes became swollen, took antibiotics and benadryl for 10 days.
Swelling has gone done quite a bit, bites still there. All my blood work came back excellent.



l
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not usual algorithm

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.
Well, preventative antibiotics for Lyme disease are not routine algorithm for treatment of insect bites. Lyme boreliosis is transmitted by Ixodes and it must be attached more than 36 hours in your skin to cause infection.
other insects dont transmit it.
Also, you dont have symptoms of Boreliosis.
To be sure you can do specific lab tests for Lymes,but all in all I dont think that Borelia specific antibiotic is required.
Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (46 minutes later)
Thank you Doctor. I don't like taking prescriptions unnecessarily.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is always good to avoid unnecessary antibiotics since they won't work when it will be necessary.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Chances Of Getting Lyme Disease After An Insect Bite?

Brief Answer: not usual algorithm Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome to HCM. Well, preventative antibiotics for Lyme disease are not routine algorithm for treatment of insect bites. Lyme boreliosis is transmitted by Ixodes and it must be attached more than 36 hours in your skin to cause infection. other insects dont transmit it. Also, you dont have symptoms of Boreliosis. To be sure you can do specific lab tests for Lymes,but all in all I dont think that Borelia specific antibiotic is required. Wish you good health. Regards