WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
The blood-sucking little bugs we call ticks live in tall
grasses and trees. They can drop onto you from foliage or latch
onto you or your clothes as you pass by. Although most tick
bites cause no harm, these insects carry many germs and can
pass on many kinds of infections. Ticks attach to your
head, neck, armpits, or groin; bore into your skin; and suck
out the blood they need for nourishment. Soft-bodied ticks,
which are relatively harmless, let go of the skin by themselves
after a few hours. Hard-bodied ticks cause the most serious
problems. They may remain attached to the skin for up to 2
weeks.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll first notice redness, pain, and swelling in the
area of the tick bite. You may also develop blisters, a rash,
and an itch. The bite may cause fatigue, walking difficulties,
headache, fever, chills, muscle weakness, and loss of
appetite--all signs of a serious tick-borne
disease.
Care
You may need medicine for an
infection, pain, swelling, or itching.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
To prevent a tick-borne infection, you must get the
tick off of you as soon as possible. To remove the
tick:
-
First, disinfect the tick bite site with rubbing
alcohol.
-
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull it straight out and up with tweezers or with
fingertips protected by a tissue or
cloth.
-
Pull gently until the tick lets go. Do not twist
the tick or jerk it suddenly; this may leave the tick's
head or mouth parts buried in the
skin.
-
Do not crush the tick or touch it with your bare
hands.
-
Applying a hot match, petroleum jelly, or
fingernail polish to the tick is not helpful and may be
dangerous.
-
After the tick is removed, wash the bite and your
hands with soap and water.
-
To keep from getting tick bites when walking through
vegetation:
-
Use an insect repellent and wear pants and
long-sleeved shirts. Also wear a hat in areas with
trees.
-
Put insect repellent on exposed skin and also at
boot tops, bottom of pants legs, and sleeve
cuffs.
-
Every 2 to 3 hours check your clothing, hair, and
skin for ticks. Pay special attention to your hairline,
armpits, and waist.
-
If you take a dog with you, check his coat for
ticks.
-
As soon as possible, wash and dry clothing worn
outside.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You cannot remove a tick.
-
The tick's head is left in the skin after you remove
the body.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You get a fever, rash, headache, or muscle or joint
pains. These may be signs of a more serious
disease.
-
You are having trouble walking or moving your legs.
This may be a sign of tick paralysis.
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