Ticks are small insects that suck blood (human and animal). Because they are so small - around the size of a pinhead - they are barely visible to the human eye. If you get bitten by a tick, contact your doctor for evaluation. In the meanwhile, follow some basic guidelines on tick bite treatment. Find out the top 10 symptoms and treatments of tick bites.
Pain
Experiencing pain around the area of the tick bite is by far the most common symptom associated with tick bites. Even though the initial bite may not hurt or be felt, the moments that follow typically cause some degree of discomfort. Most people describe the sensation as irritation. In the worst-case scenario, an allergic reaction may occur, causing pain not only in the area surrounding the bite, but also the muscles and joints of the body. If you experience such pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Treat the pain by rubbing the area with rubbing alcohol. Wear gloves so you don't spread pathogens from the tick to your hands.
Rash
Ticks can often be found hiding in unsuspecting areas such as bushes, dead leaves, grass, and other moist and dark areas. If you get bitten by a tick, you may develop a rash around the bite. This is indicative of an allergic reaction, and you must contact your doctor right away to evaluate the extent of the symptoms. To remove a tick from your skin, use tweezers to carefully flip the tick over onto its back. It's important to grasp firmly on the tick, keeping it as close to the skin as possible. Then, pull gently to fully remove the tick from the skin. Be sure not to twist or turn the tick, as this may worsen the bite.
Flu-like Symptoms
Some people may develop flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a tick. In most cases, tick bites are completely harmless and do not cause symptoms. In some cases, however, tick bites may cause allergic reactions, as well as infections. As a result of a tick bite, you might experience symptoms typically associated with the flu, including fever, chills, and a headache. If you notice a tick on your skin, one of the best removal methods consists of rotating the body of the tick with your fingers (gloved) until the tick lets go. Afterward, wash the area with soap and monitor symptoms closely.
Fatigue
One of the most frequent symptoms of tick bites is fatigue. Even though the bite itself doesn't cause you to become suddenly fatigued, the effect it has on your body may trigger a feeling of tiredness. Fatigue doesn't usually appear immediately as it can take a few days to set in. In any case, contact your doctor to make sure you don't have any serious infection. One of the best ways to treat a tick bite is by applying a soapy cotton ball over the tick; this causes the tick to let go and making removal easy.
Fever
Some people may develop a fever after being bitten by a tick. While this is far from being a normal reaction, it can occur in some cases. A fever is the body's natural reaction to the presence of foreign bacteria or infections. A fever may indicate an infection or an allergic reaction. It's important to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop a fever. To treat a mild fever, you can take over the counter medication, such as ibuprofen. Ask your doctor before taking any medication. It's also important to consume plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration.
Pus
The presence of pus on the tick bite is a sign of infection. Pus doesn't usually appear, because in most cases tick bites don't cause symptoms. A few hours and up to a few days after the initial bite, you might notice pus coming out from the bite site. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible because it is highly likely that an infection has developed. To reduce the risk of infection after removing a tick, apply soothing calamine lotion on the bite site. This can also help to reduce pain and discomfort.
Red Streaks
Another prominent symptom of a tick bite is the appearance of red streaks along the bite area. Red streaks don't always appear and are relatively rare, but if they are present, it usually indicates that the skin has become infected. It can also point to an allergic reaction. It is often stated that the best treatment for tick bites is prevention. This is the best way to avoid ticks, and by taking small measures you can generate a large impact. First and foremost, you should wear long sleeves and long pants while out in the forest. Also, use tick repellent that contains at least 20 percent DEET.
Dizziness
Tick bites may also cause a wide range of unusual symptoms to appear, including dizziness. This is a serious symptom that indicates a severe allergic reaction, and warrants immediate medical attention. Once at a hospital, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms as well as your history. Ticks can carry lots of diseases, making them one of nature's most deadly bugs. If you don't have any creams or lotions present in your home, try rubbing a cut onion on the tick bite; this provides for a powerful antioxidant-based treatment that helps the site to heal faster.
Swelling
One of the most common symptoms of tick bites is swelling. After being bitten by a tick, you may experience swelling around the area of the bite. Swelling may be mild or severe depending on the patient and the reaction their body develops afterward. Likewise, you may develop a skin infection at the bite site; scratching the area around the bite may also lead to an infection of the skin. In such cases, antibiotics are often the most effective treatment, so it's important to pay a visit to your doctor. Antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacteria from working.
Hives
In rare instances, patients can suffer from hives as a result of a tick bite. This is a very serious symptom and requires medical attention in order to determine whether an allergic reaction is taking place. Sometimes, ticks can transmit diseases to humans, including Lyme disease. Symptoms usually take a few days to appear, but if you develop an allergic reaction, symptoms will appear faster. After removing the tick, wash the area with clear water and apply a light coating of petroleum jelly over the area. This will reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of infection.
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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.