Tick bites are readily identified by the presence of a tick that is attached on the skin. Ticks attach to the skin of animals and humans and feed on blood. Generally, they do not feed on humans but will feed on any source of warm blood if needed.
What are the indications?
The signs typically arise among individuals who are either allergic to ticks or those who acquired tick-borne ailments.
Sensitivity to ticks
- Muscle weakness
Pain or achiness that lasts for a few days to several weeks after a tick bite. - Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever
- Hardened skin bumps
- Skin bumps filled with pus
- Skin nodules
- Joint or muscle pain
Tick-borne ailments
If an individual has spent time outdoors especially in wooded areas and develops the following signs, it might be an indication of a tick-borne disease.
- Fever and chills that lasts for a few days to weeks
- Rashes with specific patterns
- Skin ulcers
- Pain or achiness that lasts for a few days to several weeks after a tick bite
- Flu-like symptoms after being bit by a tick
First aid care for tick bites
It is important to note that tick bites are often evident since they stay attached to the skin. The following measures can be done:
- When a tick is discovered, it must be removed right away. If allowed to stay in place, it might transmit diseases or trigger skin reactions. You can remove a tick by holding its head with tweezers and pull it away.
- Cleanse the bite site using water and soap.
- Apply an anti-itch cream if itchiness is present
- Monitor the individual if there are several tick bites.
If there are any signs of an allergic reaction or tick-borne ailment, it is vital to seek prompt medical care.