Lyme Disease - What to do when you get bit by a tick

Listen in today as I talk about what to do when you get bitten by a tick.

In a nutshell:

1. Pull the tick out with tweezers. Get as close to the skin as you can with the tweezers and pull directly up to remove an embedded tick.  Clean the skin with an antiseptic.

2. Save the tick in a ziplock bag.  Dampen a small square of papertowel and place inside with the tick.  This will keep the body moist.  If you decide not to do step 3 and pay to have the tick itself tested at this time PLEASE SAVE THIS TICK.  If you develop symptoms or a bullseye rash you have retained the option to have the tick tested which will save you pain and suffering down the line.

3. Go to www.tickreport.com 

Fill out their forms and choose your test (the $50 is sufficient but if you have symptoms please run all the tests).  Send it in and you should receive results in 72 hours.

4. Take a photograph of the bite mark.  Watch it over the next 48 hours and compare it to your photo.  A bullseye rash is a tell-tale sign that you've been infected with Lyme Disease.  However, you do not need to have a rash to have contracted the disease.  Tricky, right?

5. Over the next 2 -3 weeks look for other symptoms or rashes and visit your doctor if needed.

 

Stay safe friends.  Long pants tucked into socks, light-colored tops with long sleeves and hats are always a good ideas when spending time outdoors.