Summer is here, and that means warmer weather, sunnier days and…tick season. Ticks come out in the spring and summer months and can easily attach themselves to your skin as you are outside enjoying the day.

If you do discover a tick on your body, your goal is to remove it as quickly and efficiently as possible to reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains what to do about ticks and tick bites below.

Are All Tick Bites Dangerous?

Certainly not! The majority of tick bites are just mild annoyances and a quick and unpleasant experience. Once the tick is removed, the site of the bite might be sore or irritated for a few days. But in some instances, tick bites can introduce bacteria or certain diseases, like Lyme disease.

This is why you want to remove the tick as quickly as possible! Ticks that carry Lyme disease have to be attached to you for at least 36 hours before transmitting the disease, so take action quickly.

Removing a Tick

• Use a clean tweezers and pull slowly and steadily away from the skin.
• Do not twist as you pull.
• Take a picture of the tick.
• Dispose in the garbage or toilet.
• Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

What Do I Do After a Tick Bite?

Once the tick is removed, keep a close eye on how you are feeling. If you contracted Lyme disease, symptoms can appear anywhere from three days to 30 days after the initial bite. A rash similar to a bulls-eye might appear, you might develop a fever, headache or full body chills.

If you start to notice these symptoms, visit with us right away. We can help determine if you have Lyme disease, and we can work with you to figure out your next steps. An untreated case of Lyme disease can lead to chronic pain or fatigue, and serious cases can even be life-threatening.

When to Contact Your Doctor

• You can’t remove the entire tick on your own.
• Your rash gets bigger or looks like a bulls-eye.
• Flu-like symptoms appear.
• Signs of infection appear, like pus or redness and swelling.

If you are ever worried about an animal or insect bite, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville.