Tick Bite
When it comes to blood-sucking ticks, the term tick bite is usually used. However, like mosquitoes, they do not bite but they use their stinger to suck the blood.
Tick bites can transmit diseases to humans with very serious health consequences, such as Lyme disease or TBE. Moreover, the typical red sign that shows that an infection with Lyme occurred, is not always present. Therefore, it is very important to act immediately with the help of an experienced lyme doctor to prevent any chronic issues.
Tick Bite Symptoms
A tick bite can have serious health consequences.
A reddish discolouration of the skin, known as erysipelas, can occur. This is often in a circle form around the bite, therefore also called a “bullseye”. This bulls-eye gradually spreads over a period of days and can be accompanied by fever, headaches, itching and muscle pain, sensory disturbances, cardiac arrhythmia or double vision. The first lyme symptoms usually happen within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.
Unfortunately, ticks can also transmit many different bacterias, viruses and parasites, such as borrelia or TBE through their bite. These pathogens can lead to Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. These can all pose serious health risks.
In most cases, ticks are found close to the ground. They sit on blades of grass or in small bushes, for example. If a person or animal passes by, they can cling on and then crawl to a warm, sheltered place to attach themselves.
Tick Bite, What To Do?
If you have been bitten by a tick, it is important to remove the tick as quickly as possible, keep an eye on the area and make an appointment with an experienced lyme doctor as soon as possible.
The redness and bullseye in particular is evidence of an infection with Lyme disease. Also if you have a fever, severe headache or other symptoms in the days after a tick bite, these can sometimes indicate Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis.
If you experience the symptoms mentioned above or live in a risk area for TBE, it might be advised by the doctor to take antibiotics. Most cases of Lyme disease can be cured using several weeks of the correct oral antibiotics.
However, it is important to be aware that the red bullseye is not always present, but one can still develop Lyme disease. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor who is experienced in lyme disease.
Doctor for Tick Bites
After a tick bite, you should consult a doctor who is very experienced with Lyme disease. This is important in order to initiate the correct diagnosis and treatment and to minimise the effects on the body. Chronic Lyme disease can place an irreversible, lifelong heavy burden on the body, reducing the quality of life and should be prevented at all costs.
Med. pract. Dana Hreus M.A.
An experienced Lyme disease doctor can initiate the correct diagnosis, sometimes with the use of blood tests, and treatment after an infectious tick bite in order to prevent chronic symptoms.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.