What will happen if you do not remove a tick? - briefly
If left attached, the tick can transmit bacterial or viral pathogens, including Lyme disease and other infections, and may cause local skin irritation and inflammation. Prolonged attachment raises the likelihood of severe health complications.
What will happen if you do not remove a tick? - in detail
Leaving a tick attached to the skin creates several medical hazards. The primary danger is transmission of infectious agents. Pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Babesia microti (babesiosis), and various viruses can be transferred once the tick has been feeding for a sufficient period, typically 24–48 hours. The longer the attachment, the higher the probability of infection and the larger the inoculum introduced into the host.
Local tissue effects also arise. A tick’s mouthparts embed deep into the epidermis, causing a small puncture that may become inflamed. Persistent erythema, itching, or a rash around the bite site often precedes systemic symptoms. Secondary bacterial infection can develop if the skin barrier is breached, especially when the area is scratched or contaminated.
Neurological complications are possible with certain species. Tick‑borne paralysis, caused by neurotoxins secreted by Dermacentor ticks, may manifest after several days of uninterrupted feeding. Early signs include ascending weakness and loss of coordination; without prompt removal, respiratory failure can occur.
Allergic reactions to tick saliva or to the tick itself may lead to localized swelling or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Such responses can develop rapidly after attachment and require immediate medical attention.
The timeline of disease onset varies by pathogen:
- Lyme disease: erythema migrans appears 3–30 days after bite; untreated infection can progress to arthritis, carditis, or neuropathy.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: fever and rash develop within 2–14 days; delayed treatment increases mortality risk.
- Anaplasmosis and babesiosis: flu‑like symptoms emerge 1–2 weeks post‑exposure; severe cases may cause organ dysfunction.
In summary, failing to extract a feeding tick elevates the risk of infection, local inflammation, neurotoxic paralysis, and allergic response. Early removal reduces pathogen transmission probability and limits the severity of subsequent health issues.