When to contact your doctor

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

• The rash gets bigger. A small red bump may appear at the site of the tick bite. This is normal. But if it develops into a larger rash, perhaps with a bull's-eye pattern, it may indicate Lyme disease. The rash usually appears within three to 14 days.

  Also consult your doctor if signs and symptoms disappear because you may still be at risk of 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 redness or oozing.
• You think you were bitten by a deer tick. You may need antibiotics.

If possible, bring the tick with you to your doctor's appointment.