When To See A Doctor for Tick Bite

When should I be concerned about a tick bite?

If you develop flu-like symptoms days or weeks after being bitten by a tick or notice that the skin surrounding a tick bite looks infected and is becoming more swollen with enlarging areas of redness, it is time to visit a doctor for evaluation and possible treatment for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tiny deer tick infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Although not every bite from a tick transmits this infection, bites should be evaluated carefully since early detection and appropriate treatment are critical in effectively treating Lyme disease and preventing the potentially serious medical complications caused by this infection.

Three Stages of Lyme Disease & Symptoms

Experts in infectious disease and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describe three different stages of Lyme disease. The symptoms associated with each stage are as follows:

Early Localized Disease:
Symptoms present 3-30 days after a tick bite and include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches
• A red, expanding rash, often known as a “bull’s-eye” rash, commonly occurring at the site of the tick bite (80% of people with Lyme infections will develop a rash)

Early Disseminated Disease:
Symptoms presenting days to weeks after a tick bite.

• Nerve pain or numbness
• Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles
• Heart problems such as palpitations or chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Late Disseminated Disease:
Symptoms persist months to years after a tick bite.

• Joint pains and swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness and tingling
• Speech problems
• Memory or cognitive issues

Getting Timely Treatment
For patients who believe they may have Lyme disease, PhysicianOne Urgent Care offers the following comprehensive tick bite and Lyme disease services:

• Tick removal
• On-site lab services
• Rash assessment
• Tetanus boosters

Urgent Care Treatment for Tick Bites

If you experience any signs of Lyme disease, you should seek an evaluation as soon as possible, especially if you’ve recently found a tick on your body. To find your nearest PhysicianOne Urgent Care facility, check out our across New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.