A hard tick will burrow into the skin to feed. Both hard and soft ticks can transmit various tick-borne diseases. The risk of disease transmission is decreased with prompt removal of the tick. It may appear as a small, red bump with a bright, red halo. Most symptoms will disappear in two to three days.
Scratching can prolong the healing for several weeks.
Prevention and Safety Transmission of the spirochete, from tick to host, can be prevented if the tick is promptly and properly removed. Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot. Wear long sleeved shirts buttoned at the cuff and long pants tucked into socks or boots in tick-infested areas. Apply insect repellent to pants, socks and shoes. Products containing DEET are very effective.