Health Topics for Prepare for Emergencies

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Bites: tick

There are many different kinds of ticks that can bite. Deer ticks are usually small, no bigger than the head of a pin. Other ticks such as wood and dog ticks are usually much larger. Most of the time there is little risk from the bite of a tick. The usual reaction is nothing more than a raised skin bump that gets better within a few days.

Occasionally, ticks can transmit infections to humans. Some tick bites may cause Lyme disease. The first symptoms of Lyme disease occurring within the first week to months after being bitten by an infected tick are flu-like symptoms and a local rash that resembles a bulls-eye or target. A bite from other ticks, such as the wood tick, the dog tick, or the black-legged deer tick may cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or, in extremely rare cases, a form of paralysis.

If you are concerned about tick bites or have been bitten by a tick, you should contact your healthcare provider. In the meantime, here are some tips:

• Prevention is the best course of action. Avoid areas with leaf litter and low-lying vegetation in wooded, brushy or overgrown grassy areas. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be spotted more easily. Wear long sleeve shirts and tuck pant legs into socks or boot tops to keep ticks from coming in contact with your skin. If you spend time in areas that have ticks, always do a careful exam of your entire body to check for ticks. If you remove a tick within 24 to 36 hours, your chances of getting Lyme disease are low. The tick causing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever should be removed within several hours to help lessen the chance of getting this disease. Apply repellants to help prevent ticks from attaching to boots, clothing, and skin. Follow directions that are on the labels of the products.
• Remove a tick by grasping the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick up and away from your skin. Do not be alarmed if the tick's mouthparts are not removed from the skin. Remove any mouthparts with the tweezers. The bacteria that causes the disease is found in the tick's mid-body. Try not to squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick. Do not try to smother a tick with petroleum jelly, nail polish, a hot match or rubbing alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of infection and may complicate removal.
• Wash the bite site and your hands after removal. Apply an antiseptic. When a tick bite occurs, it is important to determine if you need a tetanus shot. Watch for signs of illness or an allergic reaction.

Seek medical care immediately if:

• signs of shock develop
• severe difficulty breathing occurs
• rapid swelling of the throat or tongue is causing difficulty swallowing or the feeling of a lump in your throat
• seizures with unresponsiveness occur
• a deer tick, dog tick, or wood tick bit you (Deer ticks carry Lyme disease and dog and wood ticks carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or RMSF.)
• a rash develops (bulls-eye rash is specific for Lyme disease, but RMSF is associated with petechial rash)
• an infection occurs at the site of the bite or
• flu-like symptoms develop, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a general feeling of illness

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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