Introduction
Ticks are parasites that occur worldwide. They feed on the blood of vertebrates, including the blood of humans (=host). They prefer it warm and humid and are mainly active in the period from February to October.
Depending on the temperature, the tick season can be delayed. They are mainly found on the edges of forests or in gardens in tall grass and bushes. There are many different types of ticks.
Many of them are responsible for the transmission of pathogens. The pathogens are released into the wound via the saliva of the tick during the sucking process. The most common diseases transmitted by ticks include Lyme borreliosis and early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). Both diseases are mainly transmitted by the tick species common wood tick (Ixodes ricinus).
Causes of itchy tick bites
In the case of a tick bite, the tick introduces various salivary proteins into the wound, which are intended to prevent an inflammatory reaction at the bite site and to numb the wound. As a result, a tick bite is often noticed late or not at all. An itchy tick bite is a warning signal and can have various causes. On the one hand, an infection of the wound with bacteria can lead to itching, on the other hand, an allergic reaction to the saliva proteins of the tick can be the cause. In any case, an itchy tick bite should be looked at and evaluated by a physician.
These symptoms show me that my tick bite is dangerous
Every tick bite carries the risk of transmitting pathogens. The tick should therefore be removed from the skin as quickly as possible. It is important that the tick is completely removed and not squashed.
A tick bite becomes dangerous when the pathogens of Lyme disease or TBE are transmitted. However, there is generally no reason to panic when a tick bite occurs, as only about 4% of all ticks transmit one of the two diseases. In general, in case of pain, redness or swelling of the wound, a clarification should be made by the doctor.
These symptoms generally occur during inflammatory reactions and can be an indication of an infection or allergic reaction. Lyme disease is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. Ticks with borreliosis pathogens (bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi) are found all over Germany.
In about half of the infected persons, a circular rash with central pallor (migrant redness, erythema migrans) forms around the bite after a few days to weeks. In some cases, itching also occurs. Pain is rather rare.
Further symptoms may be: If an infection with Lyme disease pathogens is not recognized and treated, the nervous system can be affected with paralysis of the facial muscles (facial paresis) or the extremities. You can find more about this topic here: How can Lyme disease be diagnosed?
- Discomfort
- Lassitude
- Fever after a tick bite
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle pain
- Lymph node swelling
The TBE pathogen transmitted by the tick is the TBE virus.
Ticks with TBE pathogens are mainly found in southern Germany. In most cases, an infection with the TBE virus proceeds without symptoms. Only in 10% of cases do influenza-like symptoms appear at the beginning of the infection. As the infection progresses, neurological deficits, fever and signs of meningoencephalitis may occur. You can find more about the clinical picture of early summer meningoencephalitis here: TBE
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