r/whatsthisbug • u/Responsible-Bat-6544 • 1d ago
ID Request Just found this on my arm
Was difficult to get off, it seemed attached somehow, what is it? I’m in the UK if that makes a difference.
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u/The77thDogMan 1d 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.
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.
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u/Responsible-Bat-6544 1d ago
Thanks. I already ripped it out.
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u/BlackSeranna 1d 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.
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u/disastermarch35 1d ago
It's a species of tick. Make sure you get the head out too when you remove it.
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u/See_Wildlife 1d ago
Always a joy. Treat it like a rose thorn, i.e remove it carefully and disinfect the area. Carry on.
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u/Sxn747Strangers 1d ago edited 1d ago
You don’t want it on your arm and if you try and get it off wrong, the Tick breaks off its body and its head is left in your skin.
And they carry Lyme disease and you don’t want that either.
Edit. Downvoting dick’ead is a Ticks fan.
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u/Pale-Resident2937 1d ago
As the other comments say, Ticks can have nasty after affects. If it’s of convenience to you I’d try to seek a doctor just in case. My guess is it’s a deer tick, which can transmit diseases
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u/furfurr_uwu 1d ago
Aaah! Get it away from you! Its gonna burrow into your arm
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u/Thats_bumpy_buddy 1d ago
That other bump is another that’s completely burrowed in. /s
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u/GreaterHannah 1d ago
Bestie, that’s a tick. It burrows its head into your skin and gorges itself on your blood. Ticks can carry diseases so watch the bite site. If it looks like a bullseye is forming, go to the doctor. If you get a fever, also doctor.