What will happen if I do not remove a tick? - briefly
If a tick stays attached, it may transmit infectious agents such as Borrelia bacteria, leading to symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain. Prolonged infection can result in chronic conditions affecting the nervous system, heart, or joints.
What will happen if I do not remove a tick? - in detail
Leaving a tick attached to the skin poses several health risks that increase with time. Pathogens carried by the parasite, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (the agent of Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and various viral agents, are transmitted primarily after the tick has been feeding for at least 24–48 hours. The longer the attachment, the higher the probability of pathogen transfer. Early infection may be asymptomatic, but delayed recognition can lead to fever, fatigue, joint pain, neurological disturbances, and, in severe cases, organ dysfunction.
Local tissue response can also progress. The tick’s mouthparts embed in the dermis, causing a small puncture that may become inflamed. Prolonged presence can result in an ulcerated lesion, secondary bacterial infection, and scarring. In rare instances, hypersensitivity to tick saliva triggers an allergic reaction ranging from localized swelling to systemic anaphylaxis.
Additional complications arise from the tick’s secreted anticoagulant and immunomodulatory substances. These compounds facilitate prolonged feeding and may suppress the host’s immediate immune response, allowing pathogens to establish themselves more effectively.
Preventive considerations include prompt removal using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin, and applying steady upward pressure. After extraction, the bite site should be cleaned, and the individual monitored for signs of infection for at least four weeks. If symptoms develop, medical evaluation and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are required.