Tick Bites - Immediate Care at Newbridge

For patients who suffer a tick bite, we offer same-day or next-day appointments (Monday through Friday, non-holidays). It is important to treat a tick bite the same day if possible, but no longer than 3 days after the bite occurred in order to decrease the risk of long term symptoms related to Lyme and associated co-infections.  Antibiotics are often recommended with new bites, and prescribing them does require an appointment to verify the need, determine which antibiotic(s) would be best, and to prescribe them.

Call (612) 730-2237 to schedule an appointment

Let your scheduler know you need immediate care for a tick bite. Our scheduling specialist will assist you and provide instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming appointment.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM* (closed Saturday and Sunday)

*Appointments as late as 6:30 pm may be available depending on the day of the week.

ACUTE TICK BITE ACTION STEPS

What to do if you have a tick bite:

  1. Schedule an appointment at Newbridge as soon as possible to potentially get on antibiotics (often recommended with new bites) and to start other treatments if necessary. Call (612) 730-2237 to schedule an appointment.
  2. If the tick is still attached, remove it NOW. Follow these steps to properly remove the tick with regular tweezers (there is a specific technique you need to follow to ensure the entire tick is pulled out). If you have Tick Twister tweezers, follow these steps.
  3. Place the tick in a Ziploc bag. DO NOT DISPOSE. Save it and send it in for testing at tickreport.com.

Chronic Lyme Disease Prevention

Lyme disease can become chronic either because it isn’t fully eradicated initially, or if the immune system can’t fully manage fighting the infection, which often leads to significant physical and mental impairment. Follow these easy steps to boost your immune system and prevent Lyme infections.

  1. Strengthen your immune system:
    a. Eat to improve immune function by removing grains, sugar, and dairy.
    b. Include antioxidant rich foods such as bright fruits and vegetables, and bone broths which contain gut-healing amino acids.
    c. Consume probiotic rich foods daily such as Kefir, fermented vegetables, and Kombucha, which can help reduce infectious disease and progression of
    symptoms.
  2.  Keep a Tick Twister set on hand to effectively remove ticks or other vectors immediately.
    a. Save the tick and have it sent for testing at tickreport.com
  3. Take preventative measures like using DesBio Bug Bouncer, which may help to minimize transmission. Dosing is 7 drops twice per day. This may be especially helpful if you’re planning to camp during the summer.
  4. Use Picardin or Repel Lemon Eucalyptus bug spray while outside, camping, etc.
  5. Wear appropriate clothing when outdoors – light colored clothes, long sleeve shirts, socks and closed-toe shoes, and long pants tucked into socks.
  6.  Check for ticks often! Check the whole body after being outdoors, frequently while camping or on a nature walk, and each night before bed. Check the hairline, the head, behind the ears, legs, arms and feet.
  7. If you suspect you have been bitten by a tick, make an appointment with one of our providers as soon as possible. This will help minimize the possibility of a missed diagnosis and the development of Chronic Lyme.