Dang! That's nasty! I'm way too blase about ticks, I must admit. Lyme's is not as common out here as back east, but still...
The best prevention to my mind is permethrin spray used on your clothes and boots (never your skin). I got my clearest introduction to its effectiveness some years ago on a backpack with my dog. Prior I bought a permethrin spray meant for use on dogs but not people. I sprayed her and at the end of the day found no ticks on her while I picked over 100 off myself! It will last on your clothes through several washings (supposedly). But again, NOT on your skin!