What Causes Flat Deer Ticks Stuck Together Coming Out On Top Of A Swollen Bump?

Posted on Fri, 16 May 2014

Question: YYYY@YYYY I went to my physician yesterday and I have a very red swollen painful size of the $.50 piece behind my left ear when I was putting salt compresses this morning I thought it was a scab it was to me what looks like two flat deer ticks with no legs stuck together by the heads that came out on top I thought it was a scab I wear hair extensions and thought that's what it was from it until this morning I'm on Bactrim and I God it's like a said a shot yesterday and just need to know little more from on the right track thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you very soon PS I'm talking and texting so excuse some of the words thanks

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get back to doctor's office for further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

If you found two flat deer ticks stuck together coming out on top of the swollen bump, I highly suggest to report this to your physician. You have high chances to develop tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease.

You keep the ticks covered with a piece of tissue and send to your doctor's office to identify the type of tick. Further lab tests are necessary to do in order to exclude tick-borne diseases.

It is good that you have started antibiotic like Bactrim. However, you should be attentive and watch for signs of rash, fever, or any other unusual symptom and get immediate medical help (ER).

Once again, you should go back and report the deer ticks to your doctor for further management and follow up.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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