I Have 4 Bites From Something That I Got A

Posted on Mon, 29 Apr 2019

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

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have 4 bites from something that I got a few days ago. Yesterday one of them started swelling up and changed colors. First it was red around the bite and had a black and blue ring on the outside. And now it looks white around the bite with some purple and brownish on the outside and still swollen. It is painful to the touch but other than that it doesn't hurt. So what is it and what can I do to make it better or at least to stop it from getting worse. The first picture is of the other bites and the second is the bite in question. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tick bite is possible and antibiotics for 2-3 weeks might be needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded images.

The bite you are concerned about can be just a simple infected bite or a bite from a tick and that imposes high risk for Lyme disease.
In both cases antibiotics are needed and it is best to start them as soon as possible. In case of a simple infected bite treatment lasts for a week, in case of a tick bite it should last 2-3 weeks.

There is no reliable way to diagnose Lyme early so whenever suspected treatment is started so in your case I think it is best to just take doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 2-3 weeks.

Taking to your doctor will help you provide a prescription and start treatment soon.

I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T