Only a minority of tick bites leads to Lyme disease. The longer the tick remains attached to your skin, the greater your risk of getting the disease. Lyme infection is unlikely if the tick is attached for less than 36 to 48 hours.
If you think you’ve been bitten and have signs and symptoms of Lyme disease – particularly if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common – contact your doctor. Treatment for Lyme disease is more effective if begun early.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor even if signs and symptoms disappear – the absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the disease is gone. Untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of your body for several months to years after infection, causing arthritis and nervous system problems. Ticks can also transmit other illnesses, such as babesiosis and Colorado tick fever.