Tick bite
Definition
Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that can attach to you as you brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Once on you, ticks often move to a warm, moist location, like the armpits, groin, and hair. At that point they typically attach firmly to your skin and begin to draw blood.
Ticks can be fairly large -- about the size of a pencil eraser -- or so small that they are almost impossible to see. Ticks can cause a variety of health conditions ranging from harmless to serious.
This article describes the effects of a tick bite.
See also: Tick removal
Poisonous Ingredient
Hard- and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a poison that can cause tick paralysis in children.
While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry bacteria that can cause:
Where Found
Ticks live in wooded or grassy fields.
References
Long, SS. Arachnids. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2nd ed. Elsevier: 2003; 1372-1373.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.