Can Lyme Disease Be Contracted Through A Tick Bite?

Posted on Sun, 25 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Bit by I believe a tick, pulled off stung for aprox 15 seconds and left a small red bump. No other reaction.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Just keep an eye on it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Thank you for the query.

Now you should have the bite area under an observation. If any reddish ring around the bite appears, you should consult your doctor as it may be Lyme dissease sign.
If so, antibiotic treatment will be necessary.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (8 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Grzegorz, will definitely keep an eye on it. I also kept the tick should I have it test for lyme?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not test it.

Detailed Answer:
No, do not test it. Even if it is infected, this does not mean that you are. If you removed the tick quickly the risk of infection is very low.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar