Tick bites resemble small red mosquito bumps, and the tick may remain attached in the center. Minor redness is a normal reaction, but an expanding rash is a warning sign of Lyme disease.
Most tick bites are surprisingly unremarkable to look at, which is part of why they're easy to miss in the first place. Still, you may be worried about tickborne illness. If that’s the case, here’s what you can look out for.
A fresh tick bite resembles a small red mosquito bump, often with the tick attached at the center. Mild redness and itching around the site are normal reactions that fade over a few days. This local reaction alone does not indicate disease.
If you see an expanding rash that shows up later, anywhere from a few days to a month, that’s a problem. That can indicate Lyme disease. The classic version looks like a bull’s-eye, but any expanding rash can be a problem. And you can also catch Lyme disease and never show a rash at all.
Alongside or instead of a rash, watch for flu-like symptoms in the days and weeks after a bite, fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint aches.
If you happen to find a tick on yourself, remove it promptly by grasping close to the skin with tweezers. Pull straight out and don’t twist. Then clean the area. Note the date and keep an eye on the spot for the next 30 days. Contact a healthcare professional if you find yourself feeling unwell.
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