What To Do if You Are Bitten by a Tick? A Guide to Swift Action and Early Treatment

Spending time in nature can bring the unfortunate possibility of a tick encounter. Black legged ticks are prevalent in our region and can transmit Lyme Disease as well as other disease causing bacteria and viruses. If caught early, Lyme disease and tick borne illness can be easily treated, but if the infection goes undetected, it can become extremely debilitating and more challenging to treat.
 
Earlier this spring, I had the unfortunate experience of being bitten by a tick. Ticks are very common in our region, and given the amount of time I spend outside, it was likely inevitable. My experience was made infinitely better because I knew exactly what to do. I thought it might be helpful to share steps on what to do if this happens to you or someone in your family.
 
If you find an embedded tick: 

1. Immediately remove the tick & save in sealed plastic bag with small amount of moistened paper towel. Using tweezers, gently but firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull steadily out without twisting or turning. The goal is to remove the entire tick, including head and mouth, avoiding crushing in the process.
2. Clean bite area by washing thoroughly with soap & warm water. Irrigate wound with Andrographis tincture (if you have) or Iodine. Apply a clay poultice to site daily for 3-5 days.
3. Send tick for testing. In Canada we are lucky to have Geneticks. They have information on tick removal, how to send for testing as well as simple and more comprehensive testing options. I was able to receive results within 48 hours. This enabled me to make time-sensitive informed decisions about how to manage.
4. Check incidence of Lyme disease in your region – if endemic – contact a Lyme literate provider and begin prophylactic antibiotic or antimicrobial botanical treatment. If not endemic, you could decide to treat with antimicrobial botanicals prophylactically while you await results. On Southern Vancouver Island we live in a high risk area.
5. Treat prophylactically according to ILADS guidelines:
   1. Adults – ILADS recommends 3 weeks of prophylactic antibiotic or antimicrobial botanical treatment immediately after tick removal.
   2. Children – ILADS has specific guidelines for children based on their age and weight, at least 2 weeks of prophylactic treatment is recommended.

While waiting for tick test results, it is important to monitor for early signs and symptoms of a tick-borne infection which may include flu-like symptoms, headache, joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, mild cognitive impairment and sometimes a skin rash. Although the classic ‘bulls-eye’ is a diagnostic indicator for Lyme disease, it is not always present. If you do see this symptom, even though you did not see the tick, you have been infected with Lyme disease and prompt treatment is recommended.
 
A tick bite should not be taken lightly, as it can potentially lead to serious health complications. By knowing what steps to take and seeking early treatment if necessary, you can protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with tick-borne illnesses.