During the summer months, tick bites are a much larger concern. Not only are there more ticks out in nature, but most of us spend more time outdoors as well. This means the chance of a tick bite increases quite significantly throughout the summertime. It is extremely important for individuals and parents to understand the risks associated with tick bites like Lyme disease and to be aware of symptoms. For example, most bug bites cause itching, but if itching lasts for days or even weeks it might be a sign of a tick-borne illness.
For same-day tick bite & Lyme treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. If you have been bitten by a tick and have started to develop concerning symptoms, visit us today! We’re open seven days a week and appointments are not required.
How Do I Know If I Have Been Bitten By A Tick?
There are many different insects and bugs that can bite. The most obvious sign that a tick has bitten you is if the tick is still attached. Ticks often latch on for long periods of time and can stay attached anywhere from a few days to even a few weeks. But if the tick is already gone it might be hard to tell what bit you. Tick bites can look very similar to mosquito bites or even other skin blemishes. Unfortunately, if the tick isn’t there to confirm what bit you, you will really only know based on symptoms or an evaluation by a healthcare professional.
What Are The Symptoms of A Tick Bite?
Tick bite symptoms can vary. If you are lucky, the tick that bit you didn’t pass on any disease-causing bacteria. If that's the case, you might never really know that a tick bit you in the first place. You might mistakenly think that an itchy red bump caused by a tick was a mosquito bite. The symptoms are pretty similar and the itching and redness will go away over time. However, the danger of ticks is that they frequently carry bacteria like the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Common symptoms of Lyme disease are a rash that forms a bullseye pattern. Lyme disease can also cause headaches, fevers, fatigue, joint stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes. Over weeks to months, Lyme disease symptoms worsen leading to numbness, heart palpitations, inflammation, and severe joint pain.
Is Itching A Sign Of Lyme Disease?
No, itching is not a sure sign of Lyme disease. This type of tick-borne illness primarily affects the joints and muscles. Itching that happens around bug bites is usually caused by the bite itself and the skin being irritated. So, if you notice that a tick bite itches or you have a bug bite that itches, that isn’t necessarily a sign of any larger problems. You should be on the lookout for symptoms like a severe rash or pain. However, if itching goes on for a long period of time that could be a sign of a bigger issue.
If you notice any signs of infection, or have sustained persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Your provider can assess your risk of tick-borne illness and determine appropriate treatment. If you are unsure whether to seek medical attention, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek the proper care.
Get Tick Bite & Lyme Testing at AFC Urgent Care Clark
If you have concerns about a bug bite or have a rash that might be related to Lyme disease, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark for same-day testing and treatment. Our center is open seven days a week, allowing patients to stop by at their convenience. Our medical team can accurately diagnose and treat your condition with no appointment required. Most major health insurance plans are accepted, and we offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about tick bite and Lyme disease treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (732) 301-5114.
