Bitten by a Tick? Steps to Take
Important steps to take if you are bitten by a tick:
-
Save the tick. Laboratories can test the tick for the presence of lyme and associated coinfections. Bay Area Lyme Foundation now performs free tick testing. For more information visit www.bayarealyme.org
-
If a rash develops take pictures of it and see your doctor immediately. Pictures may help your doctor in making the diagnosis.
-
Understand that a rash does not always appear in early Lyme Disease, so any symptoms should be addressed with your doctor.
-
See a doctor immediately. The sooner treatment is started the better the results are.
-
Go to www.lymediseaseassociation.org for a list of lyme literate MDs (LLMD). Otherwise, take a copy of the ILADS treatment guidelines with you for your doctor
Laboratories vary in terms of the depth of lyme testing provided. We prefer to use the following:
-
Igenex
http://igenex.com/Website/
1-800-832-3200 -
Stony Brook Laboratories
www.stonybrookchildrens.org
1-631-444-3824 -
Clongen Laboratories
www.clongen.com
1-301-916-0173
Dr. Patel has been a Godsend for me. Over the years, I had been to see many doctors and had never come up with any "real" answers. I felt so grateful that, through him, I have finally learned the core reason for my symptoms...