What is a tick – and why does it bite?
Ticks are small arachnids that live on blood from animals and humans. They are especially found in forests, tall grass and scrub – places with moisture and shade, where they wait to be “brushed” onto a passerby.
When a tick bites, it attaches itself to the skin and starts sucking blood. This can take several hours – sometimes up to a whole day. The tick secretes an anesthetic substance, so many do not notice the bite until later.
It is not the tick bite itself that is dangerous. The problem arises if the tick carries bacteria such as borrelia or viruses such as TBE, which it can transmit through saliva or intestines during the meal.
How to remove the tick correctly
The most important thing you can do is remove the tick quickly and correctly. The longer it sits, the greater the risk of disease transmission.
Use a tick remover, fine-tipped tweezers, or a special tick remover tool. Grasp as close to the skin as possible – right at the tick's head. Gently pull the tick straight out. Avoid crushing the body or twisting – this increases the risk of parts of the tick remaining.
After removal, disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol or wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Keep an eye on the area in the following days.
Avoid these mistakes
- Do not use oil, glue, or alcohol to "suffocate" the tick.
- Do not twist the tick – it increases the risk of infection.
- Avoid leaving parts of the tick on the skin - especially the head.
What should you keep an eye on afterwards?
After the tick is removed, there will often be a small red mark. This is normal and is due to the body's reaction to the bite. However, certain symptoms may be signs of an infection and should be taken seriously.
The most well-known indicator of Lyme disease is a red ring that spreads out from the bite. It often appears only after 1-3 weeks. You should also be aware of fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
If you experience these symptoms – especially if you have been outdoors – you should contact a doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
Not all tick bites require medical attention. However, in some cases, it is important to get assessed quickly so that any necessary treatment can be started.
You should contact a doctor:
- If you cannot remove the entire tick
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, redness, or rash
- If you notice a red ring around the bite
- If the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours
At Doctors in Denmark, you can get an appointment quickly – often the same day. We assess symptoms, offer relevant blood tests and start treatment if necessary.
Borrelia: The most well-known tick-borne disease
Borrelia (or Lyme borreliosis) is the most common disease transmitted through tick bites in Denmark. It is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
Early symptoms include a red ring around the bite (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. If the disease is left untreated, it can later cause joint pain, nerve inflammation, or, in rare cases, heart problems.
Early treatment with antibiotics is very effective and prevents long-term complications. Therefore, it is important to react quickly.
How do you avoid tick bites?
The best thing you can do is to prevent tick bites - especially when you are in nature from April to October.
Good precautions:
- Wear long trousers and socks when walking in tall grass or woods
- Use mosquito spray with DEET on exposed skin areas
- Check the whole body – especially around the ankles, back of the knees, armpits, groin and hairline
If you have pets, also check them for ticks - they can bring ticks into the home.
Is there a risk of TBE in Denmark?
TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) is a virus that, in rare cases, can cause encephalitis. In Denmark, TBE is primarily found on Bornholm and in certain areas of North Zealand and Central Jutland.
If you often stay in these areas, you may want to consider getting vaccinated. The vaccine is given in three doses and protects against TBE for several years.
TBE cannot be treated with antibiotics, so prevention is crucial. Talk to a doctor if you are unsure whether you should get vaccinated against TBE.
Get quick help with tick bites
At Doctors in Denmark, we are ready to help you if you have been bitten by a tick and are unsure of what to do.
We offer fast appointments - often on the same day - so you can get certainty and treatment if needed. We can also take blood tests and follow up if there are signs of infection. Book an appointment here.
We're here when it suits you - even evenings and weekends. Your safety and health is our top priority.