Ticks and Tick Bites on Humans Directory
Ticks are pesky little bugs that feed off other animals or people. In the process of sucking blood, they are known for transmitting serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and many more. Most tick-borne infections happen in the summer. To prevent tick bites, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when you are in known tick-infested areas such as wooded areas. Stay on trails when possible. Use insect repellent, and inspect your body to be sure no ticks are there. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how ticks spread diseases, how to prevent tick bites, how to treat tick bites, and much more.
Medical Reference
Ticks Treatment
WebMD explains first aid steps for removing ticks, leading carriers of disease, including Lyme.
Is That a Tick Bite?
A tick can give you a lot of different diseases, but you might not even know that one bit you. Learn what a tick bite looks like, what kind of a rash you might get, and what other symptoms mean it’s time to call your doctor.
What Is Powassan? Do Ticks Carry It?
Powassan is a tick-borne illness that causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord. It used to be rare, but cases could be on the rise.
FAQ: Tick-Borne Diseases
This article looks at diseases other than Lyme spread by ticks, such as Powassan virus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Features
Video
Slideshows & Images
Picture of Tick Bites
Ticks are small spiderlike animals (arachnids) that bite to fasten themselves onto the skin and feed on blood.
Picture of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by the deer tick. Lyme disease was first recognized in 1975 after researchers investigated why unusually large numbers of children were being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut, and two neighboring towns. This picture shows the characteristic bullseye rash caused by a tick bite.
Summer Skin Hazards
Don’t let sunburn, poison ivy, and jellyfish stings sabotage your healthy skin. Learn about these and other dangers so you can stay safe this summer.
Identifying Bugs and Bug Bites
Learn to identify ticks, poisonous spiders, fleas, chiggers, and other bugs. See what their bites and stings look like -- and how to find relief.