What will happen if the tick is not removed? - briefly
Leaving a tick attached permits pathogens, such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, to migrate into the host’s bloodstream, which can lead to infection. Removing the tick promptly, ideally within 24–48 hours, markedly lowers this risk.
What will happen if the tick is not removed? - in detail
Leaving a feeding tick on the skin creates a direct pathway for pathogens and toxins. The insect’s mouthparts, anchored deep in the dermis, can remain in place for several days, during which time the following effects may develop.
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Transmission of infectious agents. Many ticks carry bacteria, viruses, or protozoa such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever), and Babesia spp. (babesiosis). Pathogen entry typically occurs after the tick has been attached for 24–48 hours; prolonged attachment raises the probability of infection exponentially.
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Local tissue reaction. The prolonged presence of the tick’s salivary secretions induces inflammation, erythema, and edema around the bite site. In some cases, a necrotic lesion develops, especially with species that produce cytotoxic enzymes.
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Allergic response. Repeated exposure to tick saliva can sensitize the host, leading to hypersensitivity reactions ranging from mild pruritus to severe urticaria or anaphylaxis.
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Secondary bacterial infection. The bite wound, often left open or scratched, provides an entry point for skin flora such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, resulting in cellulitis or abscess formation.
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Tick‑borne paralysis. Certain species, notably the Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), secrete neurotoxins that can cause progressive muscle weakness and respiratory failure if the parasite remains attached for more than 48 hours.
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Systemic symptoms. Persistent infection may manifest as fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, or neurological deficits, depending on the specific pathogen involved.
Prompt removal eliminates the conduit for these risks. If a tick has been present for an extended period, medical evaluation should include serologic testing for common tick‑borne diseases, monitoring for neurological signs, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated.