Deer tick bite?

[jltimm]

I found a deer tick on my leg yesterday, and it left a quarter size red spot where it was biting me. Has anyone ever been bitten by one of these things, and what was your expierience? Should I be concerned?

[DrKen]

I am assuming you know the difference between a deer tick and a dog tick. Deer ticks are the main carrier of lymes disease in this area and the Mora area has a high number of cases. Lymes disease typically presents with a (Contact Us Please) at the site of the bite followed by a rash extending out from there with fever and pain. Frankly, I would see your m.d. and get a lymes titer done and possible antibiotic therapy. The earlier the treatment the better. Better to be safe than sorry. I have seen several cases this summer more than ever before.

Kendall W. Goodian D.C.

Chiropractic Orthopedist

[DrKen]

The web address filter got me. It wasn't a web site but I'll try and put it another way. Typically, it presents with a area of redness at the site of the bite then the rash with fever and pain. Not all cases develop the rash so you cannot assume no rash equals no lymes. See your med. to be sure.

[IFallsRon]

I'd go in and ask for a blood test.

My daughter had Lyme disease when she was in the second grade. It took four weeks for the crack St. Cloud clinicians to figure it out even with the knowledge that we had been camping three weekends in a row during the time. Her bite was on the top of her left ear hidden by hair so we weren't able to see any of the classic signs although she exhibited all of the textbook symptoms.

[Shack]

I had gotten bit by one 5-6 years ago, right before hunting season. Right away it left a large red ring around area of bite! I had to dig head out with snips!

I went to see the doctor and they basically sent me home and told me to watch my health for the next 13-15 days. If I contract a fever or flu like symptoms, I was to return to have Limes treatment done. Well would you know it, the 14th day I broke out in a 103 deg temp and went into doctor and was given shot (I think back then they did not give it out unless needed). I still deer hunted that year, because it was sure nice to be out in 0 deg weather with a 102-103 temp. I never felt sick, just a fever! Once you get shot and treatment, it does not get any worse and you have nothing left to do but ride it out.

But, when in doubt, have it checked out!\

Good luck!

P.S.

My bite was on my left leg shin area and I can still see the mark to this day! It ached for a good period of time after.

If tick that bit me did not carry the limes disease, nothing would of happened I was told! Things have changed over the years!

[Northland Sportsman]

I was bitten by a deer tick a couple years ago and got the Lymes treatment. It developed a bullseye ring around the site and that is when I went in. The Doc told me it usuallt doesn't show up for a couple of weeks and mine was only a couple of days. He gave me antibiotics to take for a couple of weeks and I never got any symptoms. I have been bit a few times this year with a nasty bite site, but I have kept an eye on the site and they are not showing any signs of the Lymes so I have not went in for treatment. It is probably better safe then sorry but I will wait for more symptoms before I go in for treatment. They (deer ticks) are bad right now!

[fishinchicks]

I would most definately have it checked out. My mom contracted Lymes disease when it first became a problem. (roughly 10 years or so ago) It took over six months to figure it out, and now she has all kinds of problems. She has pain in her back and hips that is almost constant. She has to have IV antibiotics every so often because it flares up. Not something to ignore.

[bmc]

I had lymes disease 2 summers ago. I never found where the tick bit me, but the first symptom I noticed was a blotchy rash all over my chest, stomach, and back. It didn't itch at all so I put up with it for a week, then I woke up one morning and my left wrist ached horrible. By noon, I couldn't use my left hand at all and my fingers started swelling up. I went to the ER that night and they did a blood test and found out it was lyme's. I did 2 rounds of anitbiotics and knock on wood, haven't had any problems since. Be advised though, the doxycycline (sp?) makes you super super sensitive to the sun. I actually burned the skin under my thumbnails during a July fishing tourney. Everything else was covered by clothes or thick layer of suntan lotion, except for the fingerless gloves.

Brian