How to Identify, Remove and Prevent Embedded Tick Bites

Understanding Embedded Ticks and How to Remove Them

Ticks are small parasitic organisms that embed themselves into the skin to feed on blood. An embedded tick refers to a tick that has burrowed its mouthparts into the skin, which allows it to draw blood from the host. Identifying what an embedded tick looks like and knowing proper tick removal techniques are important to reduce your risk of potential tick-borne illnesses.

What Does an Embedded Tick Look Like?

An embedded tick has usually attached itself firmly to the skin, buried its mouthparts, and begun feeding. Here are the main visual characteristics to identify an embedded tick:

• Small, dark oval shape on the skin, typically around 3-5mm
• Visible legs clinging to the skin surface
• Skin inflammation or redness near the area of the bite

It can be difficult to see embedded deer ticks and nymphs due to how tiny they are in their juvenile stage. Carefully look for a small dark spot and focus on any area that looks like a freckle or mole if you suspect a tick bite.

Where Are Embedded Ticks Commonly Found?

Ticks reside near grassy, wooded, and brush covered areas waiting to latch onto a host. Some parts of the body embedded ticks may be found include:

• Groin
• Armpits
• Behind the knees
• Along the hairline and neck
• Waistline and belly button
• Behind the ears

Ticks tend to migrate to warm, moist areas on the body which provide easy access to blood vessels near the skins surface. Doing regular full body checks after potential tick exposure can help locate embedded ticks.

Diseases Carried by Embedded Ticks

There are several dangerous tick-borne diseases to be aware of. A few examples include:

• Lyme Disease - Caused by bacteria from the genus Borrelia. Can cause fever, headache, fatigue and skin rash.
• Anaplasmosis - Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting.
• Babesiosis - Caused by Babesia parasites. Can induce fever, chills, body aches, nausea, fatigue, jaundice.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria. Characterized by fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting and headache.

The longer an infected embedded tick stays attached, the higher the risk of disease transmission to humans. Knowing how to safely remove embedded ticks quickly is critical.

How to Properly Remove an Embedded Tick

Only use fine-tipped tweezers to remove embedded ticks, avoiding techniques like burning or smothering the tick. Follow these steps:

1. Sterilize fine-tipped tweezers with alcohol.
2. Grasp the tick close to the skin without twisting or crushing it.
3. Gently pull straight up and outwards slowly and steadily.
4. Swab the bite area with antiseptic after removal.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Take a picture of the tick after removal and contact your doctor to determine if disease testing or preventative antibiotics are warranted.

How to Prevent Embedded Ticks

Here are some key tips to protect yourself against embedded ticks when spending time outdoors:

Avoid Areas with Tall Grass and Brush

When hiking or walking through meadows or wooded areas with high grass and dense shrubs, stick to trails and avoid contact with overgrown vegetation when possible. Ticks wait on the tips of grass and plants for a host to brush up against them.

Apply an Insect Repellent Containing DEET or Picaridin

Spray your skin and clothing thoroughly with repellent containing 20% DEET or 20% picaridin before going outdoors. Reapply frequently for ongoing protection according to the product instructions.

Wear Light Colored Long Sleeves and Pants

Covering as much skin as possible with lightly colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks if they get on you. Tuck shirts into pants and pant legs into socks to keep ticks on the outside of clothing.

Perform Regular Tick Checks

Doing full body checks after being in tick-prone areas gives you a chance to locate and remove embedded ticks before they can transmit diseases. Pay special attention to warmer areas like the groin, armpits and scalp.

Shower and Wash Clothes After Going Outdoors

Showering shortly after coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks lingering on your skin and hair before they bite. Toss outdoor clothes in the dryer on high heat to kill any remaining ticks.

What to Do if an Embedded Tick Transmits Disease

If a formerly embedded tick tests positive for transmitting any kind of tick-borne illness or if symptoms manifest, promptly contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Many tick-borne diseases are highly treatable with antibiotics when caught early, leading to full recovery.

Protect yourself by knowing how to identify and safely remove embedded ticks. Speak with your doctor if signs of illness emerge after a confirmed tick bite so appropriate medical care can begin right away.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.