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New Clinical Guidelines for Lyme Disease
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Posted on: 05/10/2007
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In this article, The American Lyme Disease Foundation (ALDF) offers a brief summary of the updated clinical practice guidelines for Lyme disease. These guidelines were developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). The update was published late in 2006.
The guidelines have the latest information on Lyme disease. An expert panel updated the previously published 2000 guidelines. They based the changes on current evidence-based medicine. The complete guidelines are available on-line at www.idsociety.org.
Some of the new or updated recommendations include:
A single dose of an antibiotic (doxycycline) can be given after a tick bite
before symptoms show up.
High-risk patients who have been bitten by a tick are advised to start
treatment within 72 hours of the time when the tick was removed.
Antibiotics should not be used on an ongoing basis for patients with chronic
symptoms.
Remove a tick attached to the skin by pulling gently but steadily using a
pair of tweezers. Do not jerk or twist. Do not use alcohol or vaseline. Save the tick in a jar for at least 30 days.
The ALDF continues to stress prevention of Lyme disease. Proper shoes and clothing are advised. Avoid contact with soil, leaves, and other vegetation when outdoors in a tick infested area. Be aware that ticks can drop down from trees. Do not sit on the ground or on stone walls. Do not sit on piles of logs or dead and decaying trees.
Anyone who is at risk for contact with ticks should do a full-body tick-check each day. A final check each night before going to bed is highly recommended. Pets should be inspected carefully as well.
Symptoms can show up months and even years after a tick bite. Patients who have been outdoors and possibly exposed to ticks and who develop a headache, skin rash, fever, chills, and joint or muscle pain, should see his or her doctor right away.
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References:
Lyme Disease Guidelines Revised: Defusing a Ticking Time Bomb? In Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. April 2007. Vol. 24. No. 4. Pp. 146-147.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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