I have a small raised area of skin where a tick was removed from my shoulder (not a deer tick, so no need to worry about Lyme disease). It seems to be spreading and is kind of itchy. It seems to match the criteria for a granuloma. Has anyone ever had this before? If so, what was your experience? Did you have to go on antibiotics or did you use a topical antibiotic ointment to cure it? How long did it take to go away?
Since I am breastfeeding, I am not eager to go on antibiotics (especially since I got a yeast infection on my breast last time I took them for mastitis - not a pleasant experience). Do you have any tried and true suggestions for what I should do?
Thanks in advance for your help
I would call your doctor just to make sure since you are breastfeeding. However, I see granulomas frequently, from tick bites, in animals and they resolve on their own.
Nature provides a couple of good drawing agents that are likely growing in your yard - plantain and chickweed. Make a nice tea out of one or both of them. If there's an infection, a warm compress will help draw everything to the surface. Lyme doesn't just come from deer ticks, but if you removed within 24 hours, you should be okay. Also, not everyone that gets lyme will get the bullseye. You are in a high risk area for lyme. It's a good idea to get tested every year.
when i got my tick bite and went to the doctor cause it wouldn't quit itching he gave me cortisone cream. it helped quite a bit. i got mine about 2 weeks ago and it still occasionally itches. my doctor lanced it and the lancing seemed to ease the itching quite a bit after he got the pus out.
he told me lyme disease looks like a bulls eye. and rocky mountain spotted fever will be dots that follow your blood veins. Look for muscle aches headaches and extreme fatigue. if you get any of these go to the doctor.
Ticks carry several diseases other than Lymes---get a blood test now and again in 6 weeks to confirm either positive or negative result. An infectous disease doctor (esp in CT) will know what tests to order and can diagnose the rash.
When I was 10 I went on a girl scout camping trip and returned with a tick in my neck. I had no idea what it was, and couldn't see it, so I cut it off. The beak remained in place, and has always had a little bump there...32 +years later.
Go to your doctor. Be sure to tell him about your concerns about antibiotics. He can advise you better than we can here.
