Tick Bite
Ticks are blood-sucking insects that attach themselves tightly to the skin. A tick bite is usually not painful and does not itch. Many people do not even realise that they have been bitten by a tick. Most tick bites are harmless, but sometimes ticks carry diseases (such as Lyme Disease) that can make a person quite ill. Ticks live in areas covered by brush and tall grasses and are found in woods and mountains. The most common places for ticks to attach themselves are the scalp, neck, armpits, waist, groin, and feet. Soft-bodied ticks let go by themselves in a few hours. Hard-bodied ticks, which cause the most problems, may stay attached to the skin for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions for care
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Ticks must be removed as soon as possible to help prevent diseases caused by tick bites. First, disinfect the tick bite site with rubbing alcohol. The best way to remove a tick is to pull it straight out and up with a tweezers or with fingertips protected by a tissue or cloth. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull gently until the tick lets go. Do not twist the tick or jerk it suddenly because this may break off the tick's head or mouth parts. Do not crush the tick or touch it with your bare hands. Applying a hot match, petroleum jelly, or fingernail polish to the tick is not helpful and may be dangerous. After the tick is removed, wash the bite and your hands with soap and water.
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To prevent tick bites when you work or hike in a tick-infested area, use an insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas and also at boot tops, pant legs and sleeve cuffs. Check your clothing, hair and skin for ticks every 2 to 3 hours, especially the hairline, armpits, and waist. As soon as possible, wash and dry clothing.
Call your doctor if:
- You cannot remove a tick or if the tick's head is left in the skin.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You get a fever, rash, headache, or muscle or joint pains.
- You are having trouble walking or moving your legs.
This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.
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