posted
My son had a tiny tick on his private area. I pulled it off and have been watching the area. So far I have not seen a bullseye mark. Does anyone know long it would take to appear if it does?? If he doesnt get a bullseyes mark does that mean he doesnt have lyme??? Can anyone help me on this?? Im freaking out cause I have lyme and im praying he doesnt get it!
Posts: 42 | From Southern NJ | Registered: Mar 2010
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Sorry lgirl. Fact is they won't give us a test that is over 30-50% accurate.
It is est. that only 30% get a bulls eye rash.
So you either treat or not.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
I havent called the dr. yet. Im watching the area. But I think i prob should call just to be safe!
Posts: 42 | From Southern NJ | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Did you save the tick?? If you have it, get the tick tested! Just my opinion!
Was it imbedded when you removed it? looked engorged? I'd call pediatrician but don't hold your breath, they probably won't treat until he presnts rash or symptoms. But at least get him in and have it documented!!
Posts: 501 | From Hudson Ticky Valley, NY | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
I didnt save the tick. The head was imbedded alittle bit. It wasnt engorged! the tick was so tiny!
Posts: 42 | From Southern NJ | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
I had a known tick bite with no symptoms for 10 weeks, then slowly developed Lyme. That's why it's my opinion to treat for a known tick bite.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
Please know that not all ticks look engorged after they have been feeding. For example, males and young females do not take as large of a blood meal as the females that are at the stage before laying eggs. The can look just like a non-fed tick.
It all depends on the species, the life-cycle stage of the tick, and the gender, as to whether it will look noticeably larger after feeding.
Not to mention ticks can have Lyme and other infectious agents in their mouths when they attach, so the Lyme or co-infection does NOT have to travel all the way from the gut to infect.
The 24-48 hour attachment cut-off for infection is NOT correct.
I would find a good doctor to treat with ILADS guidelines (for children) for the recommended time, to make sure your son avoids Lyme and other co-infections.
The problem with the wait-and-see approach is that symptoms can can take weeks to months to years to appear. On top of that, in animal studies Lyme was shown to infect the nervous system and brain within hours.
Once there, it can become chronic, and much more difficult to treat. Best not to take any chances. Is there any way you can get your son a Doctor that will prescribe the proper treatment amounts and length?
If there are worries about stomach problems, I have read there is an alternative to Doxy called Doryx, which is buffered for children.
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