Roseann,

Of course, your rash could be a general reaction to any kind of insect or spider bite. But take a look at the map of the 2013 Lyme disease threat http://bit.ly/14XTrRr

A Lyme rash can take many forms http://www.lyme.org/gallery/rashes.html. It can come and go, can appear months after the original bite, and can appear anywhere on the body, including far from the site of the initial bite. (Many people who become infected with Lyme don't get a rash and don't even know they were bitten by a tick. )

Lyme is a serious disease, but can be easily treated if caught very early. I'd suggest checking in soon with your medical provider.

I've never seen evidence that "natural repellents" will repel ticks. The only tick repellent tested and approved as effective is a strong formulation of DEET.

I don't like using DEET, so (enhancing my reputation as the village eccentric) I wear a complete Bug Baffler suit when I'm out in the woods, in tall grass, or while I'm doing intensive work in my garden. The also foils blackflies, mosquitoes, deep flies, spiders, and other biters & stingers. A bit claustrophobic, but overall a terrific investment in my health and wellbeing.

I also check every part of my body for ticks before going to bed each night, including behind my ears, in my bellybutton, between my toes, in my scalp, and behind my knees. It takes an infected black-legged tick a while to infect a person, so frequent checks should help prevent an infection.