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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had A Tick Bite On Leg. Had Pulled It And Cut Remainder. Chances Of Getting Infected?

I had a tick bite last night, 24 hours ago, the tick was attached to the lower part of my left back of my leg, I pulled it off and cut the remainder out with my jack Knife so I could make it bleed, when It was bleeding it seemed to be like water, Not so much like blood, It is a bit sore Probably because of me cutting it out, what are the chances of it getting infected or should I at all be worried?
Thank you,
Stephen
Sat, 13 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI. Thanks for your question! Couple of things to look for in this situation. First, did the tick look to be enlarged or engorged or was it still very tiny? this it important to know risk of transmission. If not engorged, risk is very small. From the time frame you mention, the risk is very small. A concern you may have is secondary infection, meaning from other than the tick itself. this would come from the cutting you mention--which I wont get into here-- or if the area was not cleaned properly or if there was any residual material left from the tick.
Be mindful of increased redness and swelling at the site. Any fever or feelings of chills. Look for any signs of rash at the site--especially a rash with a central clearing (like a bulls-eye)
Keep the area clean. Might be worth a visit to the doctor just simply do to the fact of the cutting. Hope this helps!!
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Had A Tick Bite On Leg. Had Pulled It And Cut Remainder. Chances Of Getting Infected?

HI. Thanks for your question! Couple of things to look for in this situation. First, did the tick look to be enlarged or engorged or was it still very tiny? this it important to know risk of transmission. If not engorged, risk is very small. From the time frame you mention, the risk is very small. A concern you may have is secondary infection, meaning from other than the tick itself. this would come from the cutting you mention--which I wont get into here-- or if the area was not cleaned properly or if there was any residual material left from the tick. Be mindful of increased redness and swelling at the site. Any fever or feelings of chills. Look for any signs of rash at the site--especially a rash with a central clearing (like a bulls-eye) Keep the area clean. Might be worth a visit to the doctor just simply do to the fact of the cutting. Hope this helps!!