My dad was bit by a deer tick. Where the tick was attached is a dark purpleish color and around that is really red. Its not real big but he says it hurts bad enough to wear it hurts to move his arm (it was on the back of his shoulder. What does this mean?
2007-10-14 12:15:31 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
It means your father was bitten by the species of tick that carries lymes disease. Has he removed the tick? Does he know how long the tick was on/into him before he discovered it? Is the red rash around the bite site becoming larger? Is it taking on a bullseye type of appearance?
In order for a tick to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that is responsible for lymes disease) it has to have fed on its host for a period of 16-20 hours at which point it becomes so engorged that it literaly disgorges itself back into its host, thus releasing the spirochete from its gut into the host. Most people think it's the bite itself that passes Lymes along, but this isn't true.
If your father kept the tick, have him take it to the doctor and he/she will send it to a parasitology lab to be species identified. If it is still alive, get it to the lab ASAP as live ticks can be cultured to see if that tick even carries the bacteria (not all deer ticks even have Borrelia).
Keep a careful eye on the accompanying rash. Lymes diseas is characterized by a bullseye-like rash which increases in diameter. This is called erythemia migrans. The usual symptoms of Lymes disease are many and varied sometimes being quite mild to more debilitating flu-like symptoms and sometimes even very painful arthritis pains.
Your father's doctor may order serology tests for Lymes in the coming weeks.
I hope your Dad is doing OK..best wishes.
2007-10-14 12:26:30 · answer #1 · answered by A Canadian 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dad needs to watch the spot and notice if any other symptoms show up. Watch for fevers, joint pain, a "target-like" rash around the bite area, sensitivity to light and a "flu-like" feeling. If ANY of those symptoms come up, have your dad go to the doctor and get tested for Lyme Disease. The faster you catch it, the better off you are. Good luck hon!~
2007-10-14 19:19:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means your father may have the start of Lyme disease. The head of the tick may still be in his shoulder. Have him go to the Dr.s right away.
2007-10-14 19:35:31 · answer #3 · answered by SandyO 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should go see a doctor. If it's treated with the right antibiotic treatment early enough, I think they can prevent Lyme disease. I know I've read of it. Definitely go to the doctor ASAP.
2007-10-14 20:49:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means your father should call the doctor for a Lyme's test.
Everyone has different signs and symptoms.
2007-10-14 19:20:40 · answer #5 · answered by Mama Mia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋