Summer is the peak season for outdoor fun– but it’s also the prime time for tick bites and the potential for Lyme disease. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or playing in grassy areas, ticks can latch onto the skin and transmit infections without being noticed right away. One of the most concerning illnesses spread by ticks is Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs of a tick bite and explain when it might be necessary to seek professional testing and treatment.
For same-day tick bite & Lyme disease treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our team is available 7 days a week to evaluate your condition and plan the best care. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (commonly called deer ticks). Not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease– but if a tick is infected and attached for 36-48 hours or longer, there’s an increased risk of transmission. Ticks are most active in the summer– from late spring through early fall– and they thrive in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. Children, hikers, campers, and pet owners are especially at risk of tick exposure.
Early Signs of Lyme Disease
One of the most recognizable early symptoms of Lyme disease is the bullseye rash, also known as erythema migrans. This rash usually appears 3 to 30 days after the bite and expands gradually over several days. It may be warm to the touch but usually isn’t painful or itchy. Other early symptoms of Lyme disease can include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If Lyme disease isn’t treated early, it can lead to more serious symptoms like severe joint pain or swelling, nerve pain or numbness, facial paralysis, and cognitive difficulties.
What To Do If You’re Bitten By a Tick
If you find a tick on your skin, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic. Even if you don’t develop symptoms right away, it’s important to monitor your health for several weeks after the bite. Not all Lyme cases start with a rash or fever.
It’s recommended to visit an urgent care center if:
- You were bitten by a tick and aren’t sure how long it was attached
- You develop symptoms of Lyme disease
- You notice a bullseye rash, fever, or joint pain
- You were in a high-risk area for ticks and want to be evaluated
Urgent care providers can perform a physical exam, assess your risk, and order Lyme disease testing. In some cases, a preventive antibiotic may be prescribed to reduce your risk of developing a tick-related illness.
Get Walk-In Tick Bite & Lyme Testing at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Tick bites are common in the summer, but knowing what to look for and acting quickly can prevent serious complications for Lyme disease. If you’ve been bitten or are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait– come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands for a professional evaluation and peace of mind. With timely care, Lyme disease is highly treatable and recovery is often quick. Stay safe this summer by checking for ticks daily and seeking care when needed. No appointment is necessary– just walk-in today! We provide quality, affordable, and convenient care for patients of all ages. If you have any additional questions about Lyme disease symptoms, prevention, or treatment, please call our medical office directly at (303) 477-6000.
