Introduction
A tick bite usually goes unnoticed at first because it is usually painless. Only later can a black spot be discovered on the skin, the tick, which has become attached to it. Even if the tick is removed at this time, an inflammation of the tick bite is not unusual.
In most cases there is a slight reddening of the bite site, which disappears after a few days. This is a natural reaction of the immune system to the foreign substances that get under the skin through the tick. Occasionally, however, an inflamed tick bite can also indicate serious infections, so a detailed clarification of the inflamed tick bite is often necessary.
What are the causes?
In most cases, an inflamed tick bite is the natural reaction of the immune system to foreign substances that have entered the body. If the tick gets stuck, it must use its biting tool to cause a small lesion (wound) in the skin. This results in an immediate reaction of the body’s own defense system, which causes a slight inflammatory reaction.
In addition, saliva can be transmitted by the tick. Other pathogens (e.g. from normal skin germs) can then settle in the small wound (even after the tick has been removed). These would cause a somewhat more pronounced inflammation.
However, an inflamed tick bite can also be the expression of an infection with TBE (viruses) or borrelia (bacteria). These diseases are typically transmitted by ticks and initially lead to a local inflammation of the tick bite. The pathogens can then spread in the body and thus cause further symptoms. Typically, an inflammatory reaction of the whole body occurs, which is manifested by fever and other flu-like symptoms.
How is an inflamed tick bite diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a tick bite should first be based on the medical history. The treating physician can find out whether there is a risk of a tick bite (stay in the forest, in high grass, occupational exposure) or whether a tick has been detected by the person concerned. At the bite site itself, signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, overheating and pain can become noticeable.
In order to exclude further tick bites, the entire body should then be scanned for ticks. Particularly skin folds (armpits, groin) must be examined closely. If an infection with Borrelia or TBE is suspected, laboratory tests should be carried out to detect the pathogens.
