Getting a tick bite can be understandably scary. They’re most often discussed in the context of people developing Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can either be easily treated if caught right away, or cause serious issues if not.
It’s estimated that more than 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease develop in the U.S. every year, most commonly transmitted by tick bites, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Children and pets are at a greater risk due to their tendency to play in areas where ticks thrive, such as yards, woods, and tall grass.
‘In general, to spread Lyme disease, a tick needs to be attached for at least 36 hours, but the less time a tick is attached, the smaller the risk of transmission of an infection,’ explains Dr. Beth Oller. ‘It’s important to check your skin and the skin of your children once you come in from hiking or playing outside, especially if you have been in areas with tall grass and trees.’
What does a tick bite look like?
Unfortunately, tick bites do not have a unique appearance. ‘The only surefire way to know that you have been bitten by a tick is to have seen the tick and removed it,’ notes Oller. They usually look like typical bug bites.
Ticks tend to remain attached longer than other bugs, allowing more opportunity to catch them before they detach. If a tick is discovered, Oller recommends taking a photo to help with identification later, if medical attention is needed. To remove the tick, do not use bare hands; Johns Hopkins advises using tweezers to pull it out without twisting or squeezing. Keep the tick in a plastic bag or container for potential testing, and wash the bite area with soap and water before applying an antiseptic.
When to worry about a tick bite
Finding a tick on your body doesn’t necessarily require a rush to the doctor. ‘Most bites will be itchy for a day or two and can be monitored at home,’ Oller states. If symptoms do not develop, you are likely in the clear. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease; the prevalence can range from as little as 1% to nearly half, depending on your area, according to Harvard Health.
Nonetheless, you should contact your healthcare provider for follow-up care if a rash forms around the bite, especially if it appears as a bullseye, which typically develops within 3 to 14 days. ‘You should also seek medical attention if you experience a fever or flu-like symptoms after the bite,’ Oller adds. ‘Signs of swollen lymph nodes or infection around the bite also necessitate a visit to a healthcare professional.’
Comments are closed