Ticks are small, wingless creatures, related to spiders, that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are commonly found in grassy or wooded areas, waiting to attach to a host. A frequent concern is whether these tiny arachnids burrow entirely under the skin after a bite. Ticks do not bury their bodies beneath the skin’s surface; instead, they insert only their specialized mouthparts to feed. This distinction is important for understanding how to properly manage a tick bite.
The Truth About Tick Attachment
When a tick attaches to skin, it uses a feeding apparatus for secure, prolonged feeding. It first grips the skin and then uses two knife-like structures, called chelicerae, to cut into the surface. Next, it inserts a barbed, needle-like structure known as the hypostome. This hypostome is covered with backward-pointing barbs, like a fishhook, which firmly anchor the tick in place, making removal challenging.
The tick’s body remains outside the skin, often appearing as a small bump that may swell as it feeds. Some tick species also secrete a cement-like substance from their salivary glands that hardens around the inserted mouthparts, cementing their attachment. This allows the tick to remain attached for several hours to days, or even up to two weeks, while it feeds. The tick’s saliva also contains compounds that numb the bite area, preventing the host from feeling the bite, and substances that prevent blood clotting.
How to Safely Remove a Tick
Prompt and proper tick removal reduces the risk of potential infection. The most effective method involves using fine-tipped tweezers for a precise grip. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, ideally by its mouthparts, avoiding squeezing its body. Squeezing the body can force potentially infected fluids from the tick into the bite area.
Once grasped, pull upward with a steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in the skin. If mouthparts remain in the skin, the body will naturally expel them over time, similar to a splinter, and they do not increase the risk of disease transmission. After removal, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to prevent skin infection. Dispose of the removed tick by placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many tick bites are harmless, monitor the bite area and your health for several weeks after removal. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms that could indicate a tick-borne illness. A common sign is a rash, particularly a bull’s-eye shaped rash (erythema migrans), characteristic of Lyme disease. This rash may appear days to weeks after the bite and can expand over time.
Other symptoms that warrant medical attention include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches. These can develop weeks after the bite and may occur even without a noticeable rash. Consult a healthcare provider if the tick was attached for an extended period, such as 24 hours or longer, as this increases the risk of disease transmission. Also seek attention if you are unable to remove the tick completely or if the bite site shows signs of infection like increased pain, redness, or oozing.