Summer means more time outside for most of us, but it also means we may encounter a number of bugs that bite and sting. We’re familiar with the itching of mosquito bites and the pain from a bee sting, but did you know that a tick bite can transmit a bacterial infection known as Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is the most common infection transmitted by blood-sucking insects and arachnids. In the United States, deer ticks (usually found in the northeastern and north central states) and western black-legged ticks (found on the Pacific coast), are more likely to carry the bacteria. Generally, Lyme disease is transmitted by the immature ticks (nymphs) when they feed during the spring and summer months. At this stage of development, the ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, so you could have a tick bite and not even know it.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The first symptom you may notice is a rash in a bulls-eye pattern. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, a stiff neck and fatigue. While there are lab tests that may help your doctor diagnose Lyme disease, the tests may not work well in the earlier stages of the disease. If you notice a bulls-eye rash, call your doctor, since earlier treatment with antibiotics is more effective.
In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the heart, causing irregular or slow heartbeat. Lyme disease in the central nervous system may result in drooping facial muscles, numbness in your arms or legs, or meningitis (swelling of the brain and spinal cord).
Find out what's happening in Kirkwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to other parts of the body and cause muscle weakness or painful, swollen joints, especially in the large joints such as the knees. You also may become moody, have problems concentrating or experience insomnia or memory loss.
Where do ticks live?
Ticks like to stay on the top of grassy plants or low bushes. As people or animals brush against the plants, the ticks jump on. They may stay on your body for several hours before attaching to the skin. You’ll usually find them in the back of your knees, groin area, underarms, ears, scalp and the back of the neck.
Not all tick bites result in Lyme disease. Experts say that a tick may have to be attached to your body for more than 36 hours in order to transmit enough bacteria to cause an infection.
What if I find a tick?
Despite what you may have heard, applying a lit match or using petroleum jelly to a tick won’t force it to fall off. It may make the tick embed deeper into the skin. The best way to remove a tick is to use tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull upward with a steady motion until the tick releases. Don’t squeeze or twist the tick while removing it. If part of the tick stays in your body, either leave it alone or remove it as you would a splinter. Apply an antiseptic to the bite area or clean it with alcohol. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing the tick.
You may need to take the tick with you to the doctor, so place it in a sealed plastic bag or other container. You’ll need to estimate how long the tick was on your skin so the doctor can provide appropriate treatment.
Can I prevent tick bites?
As is often the case, prevention is the best option when it comes to ticks and other insects. If you’re going to be outside in grassy, wooded areas, wear long pants and a shirt with long sleeves. Light colors are best since the ticks can be more easily seen. Tuck your pants into your socks and shirt into your pants or trousers to keep the insects from getting onto your skin.
You also can apply a tick repellant that contains at least 20-30 percent DEET to your exposed skin (avoiding your hands and face). These repellants should not be used on infants under 2 months of age, and you may want to ask your child’s pediatrician for recommendations. A repellant with permethrin can be applied to your clothing but should not be used on your skin.
When you get back from your outing, check your body carefully for ticks and other insects. Parents should check their children.
Ticks also can be brought into your home by pets, so consider using a tick prevention medication for dogs and cats.
To learn more about ticks and Lyme disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/. For a physician referral, call 1-888-457-5203.