How to Remove Tick Bites From Your Skin

LYME DISEASE:

A tick-borne illness caused by bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is endemic in Northeast and mid-Atlantic region from Maine to Virginia and in the Mid-West region of the United States. It can cause mild symptoms like fever, body aches, and rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Lymes disease prevention: Antibiotic to prevent Lyme disease may be recommended if the tick has remained attached to the skin for >36 hours (based on how engorged the tick appears or the amount of time since outdoor exposure) the antibiotic can be given within 72 hours of tick removal. Lyme disease Treatment: Lymes disease can be treated with oral and in some cases intravenous antibiotics.  

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER:

A tick-borne illness caused by a bacterium – Rickettsia rickettsii. It is endemic in Southeastern and South-Central United States. Signs and symptoms: Fever, headache, and rash are common. Hallmark of the illness is a petechial rash beginning on the hands and soles of the feet. Bacteria can cause vascular injury and interstitial pneumonia.

It affects the heart, nervous system, skin (rash and gangrene), eyes, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, muscles, and kidney. It can cause vascular necrosis and clots. Delay in diagnosis increases the risk of mortality. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can decrease mortality significantly. Prophylaxis with antibiotics is recommended after tick removal. 

STARI: SOUTHERN TICK ASSOCIATED RASH ILLNESS:

Caused by the bite of the lone star tick that is found as north as Maine and as far west as Central Texas. Causes mild symptoms. Fever, headache, rash, body aches have been reported. Long term sequelae have not been reported. Symptoms usually resolve with antibiotics.