A tick bite is a serious health concern. Ticks transmit illnesses like Lyme disease by spreading bacteria directly into your bloodstream. If you notice a tick has bitten you, it is important to know what steps to take to ensure you avoid contracting Lyme disease. Keep reading to learn more about what to do if you suffer a tick bite, how to avoid tick bites, and treatment options for Lyme disease.
At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we understand how important rapid treatment for Lyme disease is. That is why our clinic provides same-day care for tick bites 7 days a week without the need to schedule an appointment. If you live in Stoneham, MA, or in one of the surrounding towns, simply walk into the clinic for rapid care. We maintain short wait times and accept most major medical insurance plans.
How Do You Remove A Tick That Has Bitten You
After a tick bites you it will stay attached to your skin for hours if it isn’t removed. The longer that the tick is attached, the more likely you are to contract Lyme disease from the tick. This is why it is important to remove the tick as soon as you notice it.
In order to remove a tick that has bitten you, you should use tweezers to remove the entire tick. It is important that you remove the whole body and head from the bite site. If the head is left in your skin, it can continue to transmit Lyme disease. Once the tick is removed, you should clean the bite area with soap and water. You should also check the area where you were bitten over the next few days for any signs of a bullseye rash. It is always a good idea to seek medical care if you find a tick actively biting you to get tested for Lyme disease.
How Do You Prevent Ticks From Biting You
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent getting bitten by a tick. First and foremost, tick repellent which is recommended by the EPA is a good way to protect yourself. If you are planning to spend time in areas where ticks are more likely to be found (i.e. the woods or a hiking trail) you should also wear long-sleeve clothing and pants. Tuck your shirt into your pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent skin exposure.
Always make sure to check yourself for ticks after you spend time outdoors. Ticks can jump onto your skin and hide in hard-to-see areas such as behind your ears. The best way to check for ticks is to have the help of a friend or family member.
Is Lyme Disease Treatable?
Lyme disease is a serious illness. It requires immediate detection and treatment to ensure that the infection is cured. If left untreated or not caught in time, Lyme disease can become chronic. As a result, you can experience long-term symptoms such as severe joint pain and fatigue. Lyme disease can take a while to show up on diagnostic testing. In some cases, your medical provider may start you on Lyme treatment if you were bitten by a tick as a preventative measure.
Common early symptoms of Lyme disease:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Stiff neck
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- Chills
- Joint pain
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Walk-In Lyme Disease Diagnosis & Treatment
If you were bitten by a tick, are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease or have a bullseye rash, you should seek immediate medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we make it easy to get rapid Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment. Our clinic has a lab on-site, allowing us to perform diagnostic testing and provide treatment for Lyme at the time of your visit. We maintain short wait times and accept walk-in patients. Our clinic is able to accept most medical insurance plans and offers affordable care for patients paying out of pocket. Walk into the clinic today!
