If you notice any symptoms that might indicate an infection, consult a specialist immediately, who may recommend a Lyme disease test.
Many people consider spring to be the most beautiful season of the year, when everything around us bursts into bloom, the trees turn green again and the sky shines a vivid blue. This is perhaps when we feel most inclined to explore the countryside and enjoy the fresh air – a brilliant activity to share with family and friends, which refreshes and relaxes us both physically and mentally. However, there is one small but very important thing we need to be aware of at this time of year: ticks. These tiny bloodsuckers can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, through their bites.
We can take preventative measures against ticks simply by choosing the right clothing. Long-sleeved T-shirts, trousers tucked into socks or the tops of your shoes, and light-coloured clothing can all help – the latter is important because it makes it much easier to spot the tiny, dark-coloured ticks. During your outing, try to avoid walking through tall grass, use insect repellent, and, perhaps most importantly, check yourselves, each other and your pets thoroughly when you get home.
Which parts of the body can ticks hide in?
Essentially, it is worth checking your whole body, particularly:
• the head and hair
• the ears and the area around them
• the folds of the skin
• the back (using a mirror or asking someone else to help)
• the waist area
• the thighs
• the feet
Feel for any small swellings and look for tiny dark spots. And if you find a tick, don’t wait – remove it straight away!
How can you safely remove a tick?
Use tweezers that won’t crush the tick. Alternatively, use a tick remover designed specifically for this purpose, which is readily available at any chemist’s. Do not use a lit cigarette, a match head or substances such as alcohol or Vaseline to remove the tick.
Grasp the tick carefully, as close to the skin as possible, and pull it out steadily. Then wash the bite site with soap and water and treat it with an antiseptic cream.
It is important to remove a tick as soon as you find it, because the longer it remains attached, the greater the chance of it transmitting an infection.
What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a tick?
After removal, the tick can be sent for laboratory testing to determine exactly what species it is and whether it carries any infectious pathogens.
It is important to monitor the bite site and other areas of your body after removal. The characteristic red, rosette-shaped rash on the skin is not the only symptom of Lyme disease, nor does it always appear. If you notice any symptoms that might indicate an infection, consult a specialist immediately, who may recommend a Lyme test to confirm a possible infection.
(C) Lyme Borreliosis Foundation
