Tick Bite

Did your doctor prescribe an antibiotic? I would think that the doctor would do that anyway as a precaution. My sister had a tick bite and she had to go on antibiotics. I don't think they had the tick analyzed. They just put her on the antibiotics right away. As long as you catch it right away and get treated, there is no risk of getting Lyme disease. It sounds like you found it in time, so he should be fine. I think it would have to remain untreated for a few weeks in order to actually become Lyme Disease.

Just an FYI -
My best friend's 16 month old was bitten by a tick on his head, the sitter removed it without the head and not knowing what it was.The doc chose not to remove it because it would entail stitches, and her son was fine. No prescribed antibiotics or anything, just close supervision in case of any symptoms. However, my friend was feeling very tired and 2 weeks later found out that she has lyme disease, even though she has no idea where she was bit or if bit at all. After a cycle of antibiotics, she is doing fine. So just be aware and keep an eye out for everyone in your family if strange symptoms appear. If you have ticks, then there is always a risk.

Take care!

The Dr. should be able to look at the tick and see whether it is a Deer Tick or not. Only Deer Ticks carry Lyme, so there really shouldn't be any huge problem unless it is a Deer Tick. There are other tick-borne diseases, but they are not nearly as common.

Hi L.,

I had the same exact experience. My 5 y/o came home from my brothers house in Maryland with an engorged tick on her neck. Not knowing what it was, I removed it myself, luckily keeping the tick intact. I was horrified after I removed it. I cleaned the area with alcoho & brought her to the doctor. He said as long as the tick was intact she should be ok. He then sent me to the local health dept to have it tested. It came back a few days later that it was a "Lone Star" tick, commonly found in the South & harmless. Only the deer ticks carry lyme & supposedly as long as you remove it intact even those should be ok, if you try to remove it & rupture it, it regurgitates into your body passing the disease. My doctor told me just to watch my daughter for any illness symptoms, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, etc. She was absolutely fine, but definitely understand your concern. If you haven't had it tested already, definitely do. Good luck.