Risks from tick bites

The risks from tick bites can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious illness. The bite itself can be itchy or painful, the bite could become infected, or a disease could be passed on. There is also a possibility that part of the tick remains in the skin during removal which can cause skin irritation. Some symptoms from a tick bite can take 2-3 months to develop so there is a risk that people don’t associate their symptoms with being bitten by a tick which could delay treatment.

If you think a patient has been bitten by a tick they should be referred to the pharmacist.