Do Tick Bites Itch? Risks Associated with Tick Bites and When to Seek Medical Care

Ticks are small parasitic creatures that resemble insects but are more closely related to spiders. They prey primarily on animals like deer and dogs, however, during the warmer months, ticks sometimes find humans as an easy target as well. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead, and although their bites don’t usually hurt, they can transfer disease to humans and can cause other symptoms like mild itching at the bite site. This article will review common symptoms of tick bites and when you should seek medical care for them. 

At Priority 1 Urgent Care, our office is available every day of the week to provide same-day care for tick bites as well as diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient, or save a spot online in advance using the button below. 

How to Identify a Tick Bite 

Tick season typically begins in early to mid-spring and can last through the fall months, or until the ground freezes. You’re most likely to find a tick on your body after spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. Many times, this means that ticks will be found biting the lower legs, but they also like to hide in areas like the armpits and behind the ears. Sometimes, you may find the tick actively biting you, but in some cases, you may not know you were bitten until you experience symptoms. 

Common symptoms of a tick bite include the development of a small, round, black and blue mark, which may or may not be somewhat itchy or an irritated feeling.  This is different from the “bullseye rash” of Lyme disease, which often occurs several weeks after a bite and can be on any part of the body, often nowhere near where the bite occurred. a. Because tick bites are often painless or not itchy and small-sized, they can be difficult to find, so always make a point of checking yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors during tick season.  

Risk Factors of Tick Bites

Tick bites are not painful, and they do not cause itching or swelling like a mosquito bite would. The main risk associated with tick bites is the risk of getting bitten by a tick carrying a disease. Many ticks in the New England area carry infections like Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis.  When an infected tick bites you, they can transfer the infection to you, putting you at risk of getting sick.  

When to Seek Medical Treatment for a Tick Bite

If you find a tick biting you, it’s a good idea to seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate the bite and recommend testing or treatment that may be indicated. In many cases, the infection won’t show up immediately in lab work, so additional follow-up or precautionary treatment may be recommended. When left untreated, infections like Lyme disease can become chronic conditions that can cause symptoms for years following the initial tick bite. However, with proper and timely treatment, tick-borne illnesses can be treated effectively and completely.  

Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Same-Day Tick Bite Diagnosis & Treatment

Tick bites are common during the warmer months, however, we prefer patients to seek medical evaluation and care if they are bitten by a tick to rule out any exposure to or complications from tick-borne illnesses. At Priority 1 Urgent Care, our physicians are available 7 days a week to provide convenient testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment, and we offer care to patients of all ages. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient! 

We work with most medical insurance providers and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at (518) 867-8040 to speak with a member of our team.