Ticks are common parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals like whitetail deer. However when tick populations soar in the warmer months, they often will jump onto humans as well. While tick bites are not necessarily painful, the tick can transmit diseases from other animals when they bite a person. Ticks can carry many different diseases, so it is vital to seek medical care if you suspect you have been bit by a tick so that you can get the necessary treatment.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic offers patients near Waltham, MA with rapid same-day care for tick bites. We have a laboratory on-site for rapid diagnostic testing for tick bites. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and accept walk-in patients. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot in advance online.
What Does a Tick Bite Look Like?
Ticks are tiny insects that can be as small as a pinhead. This can make it difficult to see them while they are in the act of biting you. In fact, most tick bites are realized after the fact. Similarly, not all ticks are carrying a disease that could be harmful to a human. Lyme disease is the most commonly discussed tick-borne illness. A bite from a tick carrying Lyme disease presents with a tell-tale bullseye rash. This red ring around the bite site typically appears hours to days after the tick has released from the skin.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
If you suspect you were bitten by a tick, it is important to know the tick-borne illnesses that are present in your area. Many times, you may not see the tick attached to your body, which can make it difficult to determine when to seek medical care. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses, and it is characterized by the development of a red rash around the bite site called a bullseye rash. If you notice a bullseye rash on your skin, you should always seek urgent medical care to be tested for Lyme disease. Other symptoms of Lyme disease to be aware of include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Extreme fatigue
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
What Do You Do If You Find a Tick Biting You?
Tick bites can be dangerous if they are carrying a tick-borne illness. Because they are so small, you may not even know if you were bitten by a tick. If you do happen to find a tick biting you, here is what you should do:
- Remove the tick: Use tweezers to carefully remove the tick. Ensure you get the head of the tick, otherwise it will continue to expose you to any diseases it may be carrying
- Package the tick: Always put the tick in a plastic bag or vessel to bring with you when you seek medical care. This will help your healthcare providers identify what kind of tick it is for a more accurate diagnosis
- Seek immediate medical care: Always seek immediate medical care if you suffer a tick bite so that you can get tested for tick-borne illnesses and start treatment as soon as possible
Visit AFC Waltham for Same-Day Tick-Bite Treatment
If you were bitten by a tick or suspect you may have been bitten recently, you should seek medical care. Tick bites can spread illnesses to humans, and early intervention is key to preventing long term effects. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in urgent care clinic makes it easy to receive prompt diagnostic testing and care for tick bites.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and we accept walk-in patients. We have a laboratory on-site for rapid diagnostic testing with fast results. Based on the results, your medical provider will provide any necessary treatment and at-home care steps. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk into the clinic today, or give us a call at (781) 894-6900 to learn more.
