TICK BITE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

Deer Ticks

  • Deer ticks in various stages of engorgement (swelling) from feeding. They are filled with blood.

Deer Tick on Finger

  • This Deer tick is about the size of an apple seed.
  • The tick is flat and has not yet begun feeding.

Erythema Migrans Rash

  • It is thought that Lyme Disease can be prevented if the tick is removed within 24 hours of attachement.
  • The majority of cases of Lyme disease start with a bull's eye rash ("erythema chronicum migrans") at the site of the tick bite. The rash can occur days to weeks (typically 7-10 days) after a tick bite.
  • Treatment with antibiotics is indicated if this rash appears.

Dog Ticks & Deer Ticks with Pencil for Comparison

  • Dog Ticks: engorged female (A), female (B), male (C)
  • Deer Ticks: larvae (D), nymphs (E), males (F), females (G), engorged female (H)

The Dog Tick (Wood Tick)

  • Picture of female Dermacentor variabilis, American brown Dog Tick.
  • The Dog Tick (wood tick) is the size of a watermelon seed and can sometimes transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.

The Deer Tick (Black-Legged Tick)

 

Main Symptoms

  • A tick (small brown bug) is attached to the skin.
  • A tick recently was removed from the skin.
  • The wood tick (dog tick) is the size of a watermelon seed and can sometimes transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.
  • The deer tick is between the size of a poppy seed (pin head) and an apple seed, and can sometimes transmit Lyme disease.
  • The bite is painless and doesn't itch; so ticks may go unnoticed for a few days.
  • Ticks eventually fall off on their own after sucking blood for 3 to 6 days.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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