You may experience some of the symptoms below:
Tick bite by black-legged tick:
- A red lump present, but swelling, blistering, bruising, itching or other infections may develop
- Mild allergic response (hives, rash, and light swelling at the bite site)
Treatment options for tick bites include:
- Cleaning the bite: Clean the area of the bite with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Topical creams and ointments: These can help to reduce itching and inflammation. Over-the-counter options include calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream.
- Oral antihistamines: These can help to reduce itching and swelling. Examples include diphenhydramine and cetirizine.
- Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress, such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, can help to reduce itching and swelling.
It is important to avoid scratching the bite as it can cause further irritation and increase the risk of infection.
If you experience severe reactions or symptoms such as fever, severe pain, redness or swelling, or if the bite area becomes infected, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Prevention is key when it comes to tick bites. Here are some steps you can take to prevent tick bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, tucking your pants into your socks when walking through tall grass
- Use tick repellents with DEET, or permethrin on clothes and gear.
- Stay on the trails when hiking, and avoid tall grass or other tick-infested areas
- Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors
- If you find a tick on yourself, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers, and avoid crushing the tick.
If you find a tick on yourself, it is also important to save it and bring it to a healthcare professional, they will be able to identify it and determine if it is a disease-carrying tick, in some cases they may recommend further tests or treatment.
