I just removed a tick, do I need to get a checkup? TMI Warning

Factual Questions
1

Today in the shower I found and removed what I believe is a tick. It is about the size of a poppy seed and a dark red brown in color. Hopefully, this isn’t relevant but I found it on my scrotum. Should I be concerned about lymes disease or anything else?

2

IANAD but if I were you I would consult with one. According to this link http://my.webmd.com/encyclopedia/article/2945.2273

Seems to me at least a quick call to the doctor would hurt.

3

And http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/ticks/iscap/i-scap-en.html] here is what a deer tick looks like engorged. http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegallery/ticks/deertick.html]Here are some next to a dime so you can get an idea of their size.

4

Aw hell, I did the link wrong.

http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/ticks/iscap/i-scap-en.html

http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegallery/ticks/deertick.html

Poppy seed seems to be about the right size to be concerned. Deer ticks are very tiny, you are lucky to have found it, so you can get some preventative medicine. Call your doctor now, he’ll more than likely have you come in. If he doesn’t, find a doctor who will. Doctors in Minnesota are used to getting deer tick calls, but I suspect the NJ doctors come accross it less.

5

Don’t be too sure, NurseCarmen. Deer ticks abound in certain areas of the Hudson Valley, and the more rural parts of NJ. They’ve been in the news for years, and any doctor around here who isn’t familiar with Lyme Disease (which originated in Connecticut, IIRC) isn’t worth turning your head and coughing for.

6

Of course you should see a doctor.

Now with that said, I wouldn’t panic too much. I live in a rural area where ticks abound, and I couldn’t wager a guess as to how many times I’ve been bitten over my 23 years. Thus far I have had no illnesses.

YMMV.