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For most people, a bite from a tick is only a concern when hiking or out and about in nature. However, a tick bite can happen in any place. Most tick bites are harmless, however, the possibility of illnesses like Lyme disease makes tick bites a worrying occurrence. This blog takes a closer look at the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and successful prevention guidelines for tick bites.
What is a tick bite?
Ticks are a parasitic species of insects that require a human (or other warm-blooded animals) as a host for food. The site where a tick punctures the skin to gain access to human blood is known as a tick bite. Usually harmless, tick bites tend to be vectors for bacterial, viral, or protozoal infections. The most concerning tick bites are from the species Hyalomma marginatum. They cause a CCHF virus infection, also known as the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Tick Bite Habitats
Common habitats for biting ticks include places such as:
- Rural areas
- Agricultural zones
- Grassy fields
- Kennels
- Animal shelters
Tick bites in urban centers usually occur around areas like:
- Places with high humidity levels
- Parks and residential gardens
- Cracks in walls, carpets, bedding
- Walking tracks
- Parking lots
- Backyards
- Overgrown lawns
Risk Factors of Tick Bites in Humans
Some common risk factors for tick bites in humans include activities like hiking, camping in forests, gardening, or households with pets that can bring ticks inside their bodies.
What are the symptoms that a tick bite might cause?
The peak tick bite season is between April and October every year. Common symptoms and signs from a tick bite include:
- Early Stage Tick Bite Symptoms
- Red bump at the bite site
- Mild pain
- Swelling
- Tick bite rash
Although not all tick bites transmit disease, it is prudent to look out for the following signs after a tick bite:
- Bullseye-like skin rash from a tick bite (may point to Lyme disease)
- Fever, fatigue, runny nose, malaise (flu-like)
- Pain in various joints
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bleeding or bruises
Tick-Borne Illnesses
Ticks can be carriers for various bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. In case of a tick bite in Turkey, there may be a risk of the following illnesses:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Babesiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- CCHF - Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Tick Paralysis (very rare)
What should you do about a tick bite?
What should you do if you detect a mark from a tick bite? The recommended steps after a tick bite include:
- Grab the tick gently but firmly with a blunt tweezer at skin level and tug until it releases its grip
- Wash with soap and water carefully
- If in an endemic area for tick-borne illnesses, monitor symptoms for 14 - 21 days
- Seek immediate medical evaluation in case of any suspicious signs and symptoms
Tick Bite Treatment
Not all tick bites transmit diseases so it is essential to be calm after being bitten. Once the tick is removed, put it in a clear plastic bag that is date and time-stamped. This will help identify the tick species if need be. After a thorough cleaning of the area with soap, water, or an alcohol-based product, the bite can be treated symptomatically. This includes anti-itch ointments, oral antihistamines, etc. In most cases, a tick bite is not a cause for concern. However, a close watch is necessary because of the risk of various diseases. For example, CCHF due to a tick bite has no vaccine, so early detection and treatment becomes a priority.
“Don’ts” of a Tick Bite
If you get a tick bite when out and about in nature, you should not:
- Crush the tick
- Grab it with bare hands
- Squeeze the tick forcefully
- Use matches, vaseline, alcohol, etc., to remove the tick
Due to the correlation between tick bites and Lyme disease, CCHF, etc., such measures should be avoided at all costs.
When to worry about a tick bite
If anyone has been bitten by a tick, the bite may be a concern if:
- There is a tick bite rash that keeps increasing
- They develop a fever or chills
- A person develops muscle or joint aches and pains
- Experiencing extreme levels of fatigue or malaise
- Developing a distinct bullseye-like rash
- Suffering from a headache or swollen lymph nodes
For tick bites, doctors advise immediate medical evaluation if the patient is pregnant or has a compromised immune system due to any reason. Ticks are not just present in rural settings. Tick bites are a common occurrence, especially in green spaces like parks or walking paths.
How can I reduce my risk of getting a tick bite?
Both travelers and locals can decrease their risk of tick bites in Turkey by adhering to the following protocols:
- Wearing appropriate clothing when outdoors (full sleeves, long pants and socks, boots)
- Wearing light-colored clothing
- Using suitable insect repellents
- Checking for ticks diligently after outdoor activities
- Washing and drying all clothing items at high heat after coming back from hiking or similar activities
If you are a tourist and you suspect a complication related to a tick bite in Turkey, you can access a consultation with ease at the Medical Park Hospital in the city. Every year, hundreds of patients (both locals and visitors) fulfill their healthcare needs successfully at more than 27 Medical Park Hospitals spread across the country. These prestigious medical facilities boast 2700 trained and certified staff, a combined 5300-bed capacity, several international certifications like JCI, and 210 fully equipped surgical rooms.