Just bitten, question.... - Lyme Disease Message Board

Zuum1 · 04-13-2008, 09:40 AM

Hi! Have a question. I woke up this morning and found a deer tick on my thigh (I live in CT near the woods). How it got there, I'll never know. It HAD NOT started feeding as it was not engorged, it had only been there for less than 18 hours. There is a little rash around the bite, not sure if its because of irritation or what. I did pull it out immediately and it was alive. I stuck it in a jar of alcohol in case I need it. Its DEFINITELY a deer tick, no doubt about it.

What should I do now???? What are my chances of contracting Lyme???

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for your help!

cheezhead · 04-13-2008, 10:24 AM

Zuum1,
Welcome to the forum!! It's a good thing you saved the tick. I would also suggest taking a picture of the rash, it's important to have a photo for your records whenever possible. In my opinion you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. I'd bring the tick with, so the doctor can see it, and possible have it tested for Lyme. I'd also ask to be treated with antibiotics as a percaution.

ticker · 04-13-2008, 02:22 PM

Hi Zuum1, welcome to the board!

How did you remove the tick? It is good that you saved it. I highly recommend having it tested. IgeneX Lab in Palo Alto, CA can test it. Blood tests are unreliable, especially early in the infection.

What does the rash look like? I agree it is very important to get photos of it. Place something near it, like a coin or ruler, before photographing to give it size definition.

Although most things you read say the tick has to be attached at least 24 hours to transmit disease, I believe tick attachment time is irrelevant. The tick that bit me was on for three hours at most, and it transmitted five diseases!

Again, I recommend having it tested. If it is infected, the sooner you receive the proper treatment the better. Early infections are the easiest to cure.

I also recommend taking precautions to minimize getting bitten since you are in a very high-risk area. There are good repellants you can get for your skin and clothes. I like the Repel brand ones. One application on your clothes lasts up to two weeks or through five washings. If a tick even walks on them, it will die. Make sure you thoroughly read the labels. Do a tick check as soon as you come in from outside. Throwing your clothes in a hot dryer for 15 minutes will kill any ticks. Washing them will not.