Don’t Panic. Do Act.
Finding a tick on your skin can spark immediate anxiety—and with good reason. Ticks are more than just creepy parasites; they can carry a range of pathogens that cause serious and long-lasting illnesses. The good news? With the right information and prompt care, you can dramatically reduce your risk of complications.
At Restorative Medicine Center (RMC), we take tick bites seriously because we’ve seen firsthand how delayed or dismissive care can lead to chronic, complex illness. That’s why we want to empower you with the basics—what to do after a tick bite, what to watch for, and when to seek help.
What Makes Tick Bites Risky?
Ticks can transmit several different pathogens, including:
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
- Babesia (a malaria-like parasite)
- Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and more
Transmission can occur in as little as a few hours after the tick attaches. But here’s the kicker: many people never notice a bite, and early symptoms—if they show up at all—are often vague (think fatigue, brain fog, or mild flu-like symptoms). That’s why proactive care matters.
First Steps After a Tick Bite
1. Take a photo before removal. If the tick is still attached, snap a clear image showing its size and location. This helps with later identification.
2. Remove it properly. Use fine-point tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grab as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with slow, steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing.
3. Clean the site. Wash the area with soap and water, apply rubbing alcohol, and use antibiotic ointment if available.
4. Save the tick. Place it in a sealed bag with a damp cotton ball or leaf. Label with date, location, and how long it was attached (if known). Take photos of the tick’s top and underside. You can send the tick for:
- DNA testing: TickReport.com
- Free ID (when available): Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Symptoms to Watch For
Most symptoms of tick-borne infections show up in the first 3–30 days, but some can appear months later. Keep an eye out for:
- Rash (not just the classic bullseye—any expanding red area counts)
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Joint or muscle pain
- Brain fog or mood changes
- Headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity
If any of these occur after a bite—or even if you're just feeling "off"—don't ignore it.
The Problem with "Wait and See"
Too often, patients are told to monitor for symptoms but are not given meaningful guidance or treatment unless a textbook rash appears. Unfortunately, this "wait and see" approach can allow infections to take root.
That’s why we follow the ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) guidelines, which prioritize early, patient-centered intervention. Studies have shown that early and adequate treatment can drastically reduce the risk of long-term complications.
When You’re Ready for Help—We’re Here
To make this process easier, RMC created the Tick Bite QuickStart Telehealth Program—a fast, affordable option to get expert input when it counts.
- Michigan residents only
- $90 flat fee
- Phone or Zoom telehealth
- Appointments within 24 hours (Monday–Thursday)
- For weekend bites: start with urgent care, then follow up with us Monday for ILADS-informed care
We won’t ask you to just “wait and see.” We’ll help you take smart, timely steps—because you deserve peace of mind, not guesswork.
📞 Call (248) 289-6349 to schedule. After hours? Leave a message and we’ll call back when we reopen.