What To Do If You’re Bitten By a Tick
By Cara Lederer
April 16, 2026
A Functional, Practical, and Hope-Filled Guide
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Wellness
Ticks are becoming more common in many parts of the country, and with them, Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections are also on the rise. This is something that has become very personal to me — both in my own health journey and now in the work I do helping others investigate chronic health issues through a functional health lens.
If you live in an area where ticks are common (like we do), knowing what to do immediately after a tick bite can make a big difference.
This post is meant to give you calm, practical steps, what symptoms to watch for, and where to find help if needed. Most importantly, I want you to know this:
Even if you have been bitten by a tick, there is hope and there are things you can do.
Step 1: Remove the Tick Properly
If you find a tick attached:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight up slowly and steadily.
- Do not twist or crush the tick.
- Save the tick in a small bag or container.
- Write down the date of the bite.
Saving the tick is very important because it can be tested for Lyme and co-infections, which can provide valuable information early.
Step 2: Clean the Bite and Support the Skin
After removing the tick:
- Wash the area well with soap and water.
- Blot the bite with apple cider vinegar.
- Apply a drawing poultice to help reduce inflammation and support the skin.
Bentonite Clay Poultice (Lyme-Literate Doctor Recommendation)
In a small bowl mix:
- 1 teaspoon bentonite clay
- 1–2 droppers andrographis tincture
Make a thick paste and apply to a bandage or clean cloth.
Place over the bite for 2–4 hours.
This can help draw out inflammation and provide antimicrobial support.
Step 3: Support Your Body Immediately
After a tick bite, think in terms of supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Focus on:
- Good sleep
- Hydration
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Reducing sugar
- Vitamin C-rich foods
- Zinc-rich foods
- Managing stress
- Gentle movement and fresh air
Your immune system is your first line of defense.
Step 4: Watch for Symptoms
Many people think Lyme disease always starts with a bullseye rash, but that is not always the case.
Watch for symptoms in the weeks and months after a tick bite:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Joint or muscle pain
- Anxiety or mood changes
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling
- Migrating pain
- Digestive issues
- Hormone imbalance
- Flu-like symptoms
Lyme disease is often called “The Great Imitator” because it can look like many other conditions.
Ticks Often Carry More Than Lyme
Ticks can carry multiple infections, including:
- Lyme (Borrelia)
- Bartonella
- Babesia
- Ehrlichia
- Anaplasma
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
This is one reason some people become chronically ill — they are not just dealing with one infection.
A Functional Health Perspective
This is where my work comes in as a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.
When someone does not recover fully after a tick bite or develops chronic symptoms, we often have to look at the bigger picture, including:
- Gut health
- Immune function
- Detox pathways
- Mold exposure
- Hormone balance
- Nervous system stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Inflammation
- Blood sugar regulation
- Sleep
Chronic illness is rarely caused by just one thing.
It is usually a combination of stressors that overload the body over time.
In functional health, we focus on:
Remove stressors → Rebuild health → Support the body’s ability to heal.
Testing Options (Ticks and People)
I always recommend testing the tick if possible.
This can tell you if the tick was carrying Lyme or co-infections.
I also have access to more sensitive functional lab testing than the standard tests often used (like ELISA or Western Blot), which can sometimes miss infections.
If you are bitten by a tick and want to know:
- Where to send the tick for testing
- What symptoms to watch for
- What labs to consider
- What to do next
Feel free to reach out and schedule a discovery call with me and we can explore those resources together.
A Personal Note
This topic is not just professional for me — it is personal.
I know what it is like to:
- Feel exhausted and not know why
- Have brain fog and feel like you are not yourself
- Go to doctors and be told everything looks “normal”
- Wonder if you will ever feel better again
That journey is what led me into functional health and the work I do today.
If you are walking through something similar, please know this:
There is hope.
There are answers.
And there are people who will walk this road with you.
If You’ve Been Bitten By a Tick or Are Struggling With Chronic Symptoms
I would love to help.
You can reach out to me if you would like:
- Information on tick testing
- Guidance on next steps after a tick bite
- Functional lab testing
- Help investigating chronic fatigue, brain fog, hormone issues, gut issues, or Lyme-related illness
Contact / Call to Action
Join my email list or reach out through my website to receive:
- Tick testing resources
- Lyme and co-infection information
- Functional health education
- Steps to begin investigating your health
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and your body was designed with the ability to heal. Sometimes it just needs the right support and the right investigation.
Together in the journey.
