When to call your doctor

Contact your healthcare professional if:

• You aren't able to completely remove the tick. The longer the tick remains attached to the skin, the greater the risk of getting a disease from it. Your skin may also get irritated.

• The rash gets bigger. A small bump may appear at the site of the tick bite. This is typical. If it develops into a larger rash or you develop a rash anywhere, possibly with a bull's-eye pattern, it may be a sign of Lyme disease. The rash usually appears within 3 to 14 days.

  Consult your provider even if the rash disappears because you may still be at risk of having the disease. Your risk of contracting a disease from a tick bite depends on where you live or travel to, how much time you spend outside in woody and grassy areas, and how well you protect yourself.

• You develop flu-like signs and symptoms. Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and a headache may accompany the rash.
• You think the bite site is infected. Signs and symptoms include pain, change in skin color or oozing from the site.
• You think you were bitten by a deer tick. You may need antibiotics.

If possible, bring the tick, or a photo of the tick, with you to your doctor's appointment.