If you’ve noticed a black tick on your knee, it’s essential to take action promptly. Ticks
are small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes
reptiles and amphibians. They can vary in color and size, and their bites can transmit
various diseases, including Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia
burgdorferi.

Identifying a Tick Bite:

. Ticks are typically small, with a body that can range from a few millimeters to a
centimeter in size, depending on how engorged they are with blood.
. A tick bite may appear as a small, red bump, often painless at first. However, if
the tick remains attached, the area may become more inflamed or irritated.
Steps to Take:
1. Remove the Tick: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your
skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid
twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and
remain in the skin.

2. Clean the Area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands
with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bite area for a few weeks. If you
notice a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, contact a healthcare provider as
these could be signs of a tick-borne illness.