Tick Removal & Bite Treatment at Our Urgent Care Center in Waltham, MA

Do you spend time outdoors in Waltham, Massachusetts? If so, it’s important to be aware of ticks. You should also familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Lyme disease, a common tick-borne illness. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and aren’t sure what to do, PhysicianOne Urgent Care can help. We offer prompt and effective tick removal and bite treatment services on a walk-in basis.

Ticks tend to be most active during the spring and summer months, but they can be found throughout New England whenever the temperature is above freezing. Although most tick bites are harmless, some of these tiny parasites carry harmful germs, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. If an infected tick bites you and remains attached to your skin for at least 36 hours, the bacteria can enter your body via the wound, then make its way into your bloodstream.

Protect Yourself From Tick Bites

Before heading outdoors, take some steps to protect yourself from ticks. These spider-like insects do not fly or jump; instead, they congregate in tall grass and shrubs, just waiting for a host to brush up against the vegetation they’re hiding in so they can hitch a ride. You can make it more difficult for ticks to reach your skin by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into your socks. Also, be sure to spray your exposed skin, clothing, and shoes with an appropriate tick repellent (permethrin products are effective against ticks).

As soon as you come inside, check yourself for ticks. Be vigilant; due to their small size and painless bites, ticks can be easily overlooked. If you find a tick embedded in your skin, you can prevent Lyme disease by promptly removing it. Here’s how:

• Using clean tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible.
• Steadily pull the tick upward. Take care to avoid twisting and jerking movements, which can cause the tick’s mouth to break off and remain in your skin. If it does, seek medical attention.
• If you are able to fully remove the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water.
• Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down a toilet.

Over the next several days, monitor your health and see a medical provider if you notice possible signs of Lyme disease, such as flu-like symptoms and a distinctive bulls-eye skin rash. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, which are most effective when started early.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you can turn to PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Waltham. We offer comprehensive tick removal and bite treatment services, as well as Lyme disease testing and treatment services.