This is tick season and a week ago, I saw a small black dot on the web of my little finger. A small tick smaller than this "o", was easily removed and flushed down the drain. The next day, no bump and I thought I'd gotten off free but the next morning, the bump started. Everyday it got a little larger and a week later, I noticed a tiny white dot forming in the middle of the welt . . . a "bullseye rash." Also, there was irritation when I moved the finger. So I went to an 'Urgent Care' facility, my family physician office was closed, and got a second opinion: An antibiotic for what appears to be a tick born disease. After two doses, the tiny white dot is gone but the swelling and joint irritation will take longer: Yes, I will take the 10 day supply so we won't evolve God's whatever into an antibiotic resistant bug. I have three small dogs, daily visits to the dog park, and lawn to mow. I had done a dog tick inspection the day before but when or how the critter got to me remains unknown. Normally I use DEET this time of year if I go in the woods but I'd been in the city the whole time. Bob Wilson ps. I mis-posted the first version in the political pillow fight forum and didn't realize blood-suckers has a political context.
Funny, you write this today. My second home is the woods and I presume you are on the Eastern half on the USA, but out here along the West Coast, it looks as if it will be a banner season for ticks. Have already removed them from wife and myself and my daughter's profession keeps her in the woods nearly everyday and she has had a few already. Have found one on my dog, but it is longhaired and hard to find ticks under all that fur. That's why she is on NexGard. https://bi-animalhealth.com/pets/canine/products/parasiticides/nexgard Anyway, most years I never find any ticks on myself or wife. I think this may be a "banner year" for them. Climate Change? I do use a tick key to remove them. Really expensive for a small stamped out piece of metal, but it lasts a lifetime and works well. Tick Removal Tool For Pets & Humans | TickKey International Inc. - The Original TickKey™
Two days of doxycycline and the joint ache is reduced and swelling. Still have surface redness in the area. Bob Wilson
The worst thing is that some people die from tick bites that carry dangerous diseases. Tick-borne encephalitis is a rather dangerous disease, and to reduce the risks, it is necessary to get preventive vaccinations in advance.
A true tale from long ago. A group of undergraduates in tropical Costa Rica (ineptly led by me) found that one among them was particularly ept at collecting parasites including mites. This student was then sent to lead our walks, after which he was examined and cleaned by others. To his delight because examiners included females. To group benefit because only one needed examining.
Seven days of antibiotics and much improved: spot where tick was found swelling gone redness all but gone joint moves without discomfort Will finish antibiotic on Monday, the full amount for as many days as ordered. You don't want to start a new drug resistant strain of anything. Furthermore, only take for real symptoms confirmed by a professional. Bob Wilson .
