Question:

Hi Amy,

My friend found a tick on her three year old last night. He doesn’t have symptoms today. Lymes is a worry. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Julie

Answer:

Hi Julie.  That is a worry.  Lyme Disease is serious business. Let me begin by saying that say I’m not a doctor, or even a practicing homeopath, so this is just my general advice.

First of all, I assume that they got the tick out cleanly — I’m sure you can find advice online about how to do that — i.e. they got it out without leaving the head of the tick still in there.  Ideally, when it is removed, the tick will still be alive. The “twisting counter clockwise” method usually is good for that.  Next, if possible, (and if the tick is dead or alive), keep the tick in a sealed jar.   You can then have it tested medically to see if it actually carries Lyme disease.  If it doesn’t, you can breathe easy! However, even if it does carry Lyme, the child may not have gotten it.

Clean the area completely and thoroughly.  If it was me, I’d use:  hydrogen peroxide frequently and alcohol and an antibiotic cream. Really clean out the area thoroughly.

Next, keep a look out for the red bulls-eye rash.  See this site for a description of what to look for.  It might or might not occur (even if you got Lyme) and it usually takes a few days.

Now, a doc would definitely tell you to take loads of antibiotics at this point.  This will be your choice, and obviously there are downsides to doing that, but upsides as well. However, those with Lyme will tell you that the antibiotics often aren’t helpful at all, and may make things worse. It’s a hard call.

The homeopathic “specific” remedy for Lyme, however, and for bites like this in general, is Ledum. I describe a case of Lyme cured using Ledum in my book Impossible Cure.  Personally, I’d give Ledum right away if it was me.

If the tick is tested and is negative for Lyme, then I’d relax at this point.  If it is positive for Lyme, I would get the child under the treatment of a good homeopath quickly.  You can check the referral lists on my book web site.

You might also check these articles about Lyme on the National Center for Homeopathy site.  There is also a somewhat technical book about the homeopathic treatment of Lyme.

I hope this is helpful!

-Amy