Ticks & Tick Bites: Symptoms, Removal, and When to See a Dermatologist

Where are Ticks Most Commonly Found?

Ticks are found throughout the United States, but certain regions have higher concentrations and a higher risk of disease transmission.

High-risk regions include:

• Northeast & Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, New York)

• Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin)

• Southeast (North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)

• West Coast (Northern California, Oregon)

• Tall grass and meadows

• Forests and wooded trails

• Leaf piles and brush

• Areas with deer or wildlife

Important: Ticks are found outside rural areas. Suburban backyards, especially in places like Pennsylvania, often harbor ticks.

Types of Ticks that Bite Humans

Different ticks carry different risks.

Tick Species	What They Look Like	Where They Are Found	What Disease They Spread
Blacklegged Tick or "Deer Tick"		Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper Midwest	Lyme Disease
American Dog Tick		Rocky Mountains to East Coast	Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Lone Star Tick		South, Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic	Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy)

How to Safely Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible, place it in a plastic bag or other sealed container, and photograph the insect in case symptoms develop later.

Step-by-step tick removal:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
3. Pull upward steadily. Do not twist.
4. Clean the area with soap and water or alcohol.

Important: Avoid folklore remedies like burning the tik or using petroleum jelly. These methods can increase infection risks.

Symptoms to Watch After a Tick Bite

Most tick bites are harmless, but symptoms can develop days to weeks after the bite.

After a tick bite, you should monitor for:

• Expanding rash, especially a bullseye pattern
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Headaches or muscle aches
• Joint Pain

When Should You See a Dermatologist for a Tick Bite?

Many people wait too long to seek care. Early evaluation can prevent complications and speed up recovery.

You should consult a dermatologist if:

• You can’t fully remove the tick.
• The bite becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful.
• You develop a rash, especially one that spreads.
• The skin shows signs of infection (pus, warmth, tenderness).
• You’re unsure whether a blemish is a tick bite or other skin condition.

Why dermatology matters when it comes to tick bites:

Dermatologists are trained to:

• Identify early signs of tick-borne illness.
• Differentiate between harmless bites and concerning rashes.
• Prescribe appropriate treatment quickly.

Fast, Convenient Care with DermatologistOnCall

With DermatologistOnCall, you can have your tick bite reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist without waiting weeks for an appointment.

Benefits of evaluating tick bites with DermatologistOnCall include:

• Answers in hours, not weeks. Most patients are addressed within 24 hours. The average treatment time is just 7 hours.
• No live visit required. Our platform is fully online with photo and message-based care.
• Expert evaluation of rashes and bites. Our network is staffed by board-certified dermatologists.
• Personalized treatment plans and prescriptions are sent to your local pharmacy when necessary.