With beautiful weather finally here, we are all spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, this puts us at a higher risk of getting a tick bite. And this summer, our data is showing that we have a high volume of patients who are going to urgent cares and emergency rooms for their tick bites. We wanted to remind you that tick bites can often be treated at home or within our primary care practices – saving you time AND money!
How can I avoid tick bites in the first place?
Ticks like the shade and live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. They can also be found on animals. So, spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. You should try to avoid these areas when possible and walk in the center of nature trails. You can also get ticks in your own backyard, so try to keep your lawn mowed and stick to spending time in the sunny areas of your yard, away from tall grasses and shrubs. Using insect repellant and treating pets with tick guards are also effective ways to deter these bugs. You could also wear light colored clothing and tuck your pants in your socks while outside. It may not be fashion-forward, but it’s better than getting a tick bite!
After coming in from the outdoors, you should check your clothing for ticks. Placing your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes will kill any ticks you may have missed. You should also shower when you come inside and check your body. Darker, more hidden areas such as your scalp, armpits, and belly button should all be looked at closely.
If you find a tick crawling on you or your clothing, you can dispose of it by placing it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.
Tick bite? Don’t panic!
You can follow these simple steps to remove ticks at home:
- Remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure.
- Clean bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks, see your doctor.
If you have questions or concerns about your tick bite, then please don’t hesitate to call your primary care doctor. Avoiding unnecessary urgent care and emergency room visits will save you time and money (and stress!).
Sources:
www.cdc.gov/ticks
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/