It is important to inspect the skin after being outdoors in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks often hide in obscured areas, such as around the hairline or elsewhere on the scalp. Ticks range in size from extremely tiny and difficult to see to being approximately the size of a pencil eraser. A tick, when filled with blood, can grow quite a bit in size.
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Tick Bites, First Aid 

Picture of Tick Bites, First Aid: It is important to inspect the skin after being outdoors in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks often hide in obscured areas, such as around the hairline or elsewhere on the scalp. Divider line
It is important to inspect the skin after being outdoors in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks often hide in obscured areas, such as around the hairline or elsewhere on the scalp.
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When to Seek Medical Care
Seek emergency medical care if the person is experiencing any of the following:
  • Signs of paralysis (numbness, tingling, weakness, and incoordination)
  • Severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Trouble breathing
  • There are any other serious symptoms
Typically, there is no need to see the doctor for a tick bite. However, if you attempt to remove a tick and part of it remains in its host, seek medical attention.

Additionally, illness caused by ticks may not develop for days, weeks, or even months after the bite occurred. Following a tick bite, keep a watchful eye for signs of infection, such as:
  • A rash
  • Increased pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Discharge or red streaks from the site of the bite, and seek medical care if any of these symptoms occur
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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