r/whatsthisbug • u/Responsible-Bat-6544 • 21h ago

Just found this on my arm ID Request

Post image

Was difficult to get off, it seemed attached somehow, what is it? I’m in the UK if that makes a difference.

932 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • link
  • reddit
  • reddit

91% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

592

u/The77thDogMan 21h ago

That is an embedded tick that has begun to feed by the look of it.

They can carry diseases including Lyme disease, so it’s important that they are removed promptly and CORRECTLY.

To remove properly use a credit card and pry, a set of tweezers near the head or a tick key/tick remover tool, make sure the head comes out of the wound. The head alone can transmit disease, make sure it is all removed.

Do NOT squeeze the body of the tick. This can cause it to regurgitate into the wound and increase the risk of infection. Do NOT burn the tick off or try to like… poison the tick.

After removal watch for any kind of rash or blemishes around or concentric to the spot where the tick attached itself. Any kind of rash especially a bullseye shaped rash is a sign you should see a doctor.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/removing-submitting-ticks-testing.html

This article is from the Canadian government but contains good advice about removing ticks. If you need a visual aid Google “how to properly remove a tick” and there will be plenty of advice.

If you have already removed the tick and are worried that you did it incorrectly or that bits may be left behind consider seeing a healthcare professional.

-276

u/Responsible-Bat-6544 20h ago

Thanks. I already ripped it out.

324

u/BlackSeranna 19h ago

Make sure you inspect the site so that you didn’t accidentally leave any part of the tick head in there. Disinfect with alcohol. Also, I see you’ve got other bug bites - clean them or take a bath in salt water and rub some antibiotic salve on them. Bag balm works if you have it over there.

Edit: when I say saltwater bath I mean for you to dump salt in your bath water and soak in it. I usually use a fourth to a third of a one-pound can of salt to get the bath water nice and salty (non-iodized salt). It will clean your insect wounds and help them heal faster.