Table of Contents
What’s normal after a tick bite?
What if it’s still there?
Lyme disease
Prevention is better than the panic
When to get it checked out
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Why won't my tick bite go away?
- By Hannah
-
- July 28, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
Whether it's on you or your pet, getting a tick bite is not the nicest of things and they can stick around. Maybe the bite is red, maybe it itches, or maybe it’s just not gone away. Let’s walk through what’s normal, what’s not, and when to worry - Keep reading to find out!
What’s normal after a tick bite?
There's always going to be a bit of redness and swelling right after the bite? This is totally normal. Ticks don’t exactly have the gentlest bite. Your body or your pet is reacting to the saliva ticks inject to keep the blood from clotting. For most , the irritation fades in a week or so.
A small red bump can stick around for a while – sometimes up to two or three weeks – especially if you had to yank the tick out yourself. It's like a tiny bruise with attitude. It’s a bit annoying, yes but not necessarily dangerous.
What if it’s still there?
If it's been more than a few weeks and the bite’s still red, itchy, or just won’t shift, it’s time to dig a bit deeper. A few possibilities:
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Bit of the tick might still be in there
Sometimes when ticks are removed in a rush their mouthparts break off and stay lodged in the skin. You or your pet won't love that, so it keeps trying to get rid of it, which causes prolonged redness or even a small lump.
If that’s the case, you might need a GP or vet to take a look – they might remove it properly or suggest a treatment.
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A skin infection
Bacteria love an opportunity, and a tick bite is a tiny open door. If the area gets increasingly red, warm, swollen, or starts oozing anything unpleasant, you or your pet might have a minor skin infection. Easily sorted with antibiotics, but worth seeing a professional before it worsens.
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Allergic reaction
People and pets can react more intensely to bites in general. If you’re one of those lucky folk, you might get bigger, itchier welts that take longer to disappear. Antihistamines can help calm things down, but again, if it seems over the top or gets worse rather than better, have a word with your GP or a vet.
Lyme disease
We've got to talk about it
The big worry with tick bites is Lyme disease which is a genuine concern, especially if you’ve been walking in areas known for ticks like woods, moorlands, or sheepy countryside.
The classic sign is a circular red rash that slowly spreads – often described as looking like a bullseye. But not everyone gets it, and some get other early symptoms like flu-ish fatigue, muscle aches, or headaches.
If you suspect Lyme disease in you or your pet, get seen. It’s treatable with antibiotics, but the earlier, the better.
And don’t let the absence of a rash make you feel totally in the clear – some people never get one, but still develop symptoms. Always worth chatting with a healthcare professional if anything feels “off”.
Prevention is better than the panic
While we’re here, a few tick-smart habits you should follow:
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Wear long trousers if you're walking in grassy or wooded areas. Tuck them into your socks – yes, it looks daft, but it works.
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Use insect repellent with DEET if you’re out in tick territory.
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Protect your pet with tick prevention treatment like the Itch Flea treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea treatment for Cats, which kills any ticks on your pet in 48 hours.
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Check yourself (and your pet if they’ve joined you) after outdoor adventures. Ticks love to hide in warm, damp places like armpits, behind knees, and along the hairline.
And if you do spot a tick? Remove it with a proper tick removal tool like a tick hook or fine-tipped tweezers, pulling gently and steadily. Don’t twist, squeeze, or set it on fire (seriously – people do).
When to get it checked out
See your GP, ring 111 or contact a vet if:
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The bite’s still red or swollen after 3–4 weeks.
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It’s painful or leaking pus.
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You or your pet develop flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of the bite.
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You notice a bullseye rash or any other weird skin changes.
If your gut’s telling you something’s not quite right – listen to it. That’s what it’s there for. In most cases, tick bites are just annoying souvenirs from the great outdoors. But they can sometimes linger longer than we'd like. Keep an eye on things, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to get it checked if you're unsure. Peace of mind is worth far more than another week of Google doomscrolling.
Protect your pet from fleas, ticks and lice.
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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