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Tick Bite

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Deer Ticks

Dog Ticks and Deer Ticks

Deer Tick on Finger

Erythema Migrans Rash

General Information

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.
Ticks can transmit many diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and Colorado tick fever.
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 (black-legged tick) is between the size of a poppy seed (pin head) and an apple seed, and can sometimes transmit Lyme disease.
Engorged ticks: After feeding on blood, both ticks become quite swollen (engorged) and easy to see.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease has become the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. The risk of Lyme disease following a recognized deer tick bite is estimated to be 1%.
The majority of cases of Lyme disease start with a bull's eye rash ("erythema 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. Flu-like symptoms may accompany the rash, including: fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Removing ticks promptly may prevent Lyme disease. Research has demonstrated that the risk of Lyme disease is zero for attachments of less than 24-48 hours or if the tick appears flat (not swollen or engorged from feeding).

Prevention of Tick Bites:

Prevention is important if you are hiking in tick-infested areas.
Wear long pants and a long shirt. Tuck your shirt into your pants. Tuck the cuffs of your pants into your socks or boots. Light-colored clothing is better because the ticks can be seen more easily.
Inspect your entire body and your clothing every couple hours. Favorite places are in the hair, so be certain to check your scalp, neck, armpits, and groin.
A shower at the end of a hike will help rinse off any tick that is not firmly attached.
Prevention - Repellents:

DEET is a very effective tick repellent. Apply to exposed areas of skin. Do not apply to eyes, mouth or irritated areas of skin. Remember to wash it off with soap and water when you return indoors.
Permethrin containing products are also highly effective tick repellents. An advantage over using DEET is that they are applied to and left on your clothing instead of your skin.
CAUTION: Do not use DEET on children.