Just because the weather is starting to get cooler does not mean ticks are gone!
To prevent bites from happening, cover your feet, legs, arms and head when going outdoors in woody, grassy areas. Use tick repellants (containing permethrin) or better yet all-natural repellants. Steele Chiropractic carries natural tick repellant which contains essential oils. This mixture is also safe for both kids and pets. Each bottle is $10. Treat clothing and gear with products that are designed for tick protection. Check your clothing for ticks. If ticks are found you should remove clothing and toss in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks. Shower soon after being outdoors; showering within 2 hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Always check your body upon returning: under arms, in and around ears and hair, between legs and back of the knees, and don’t forget inside the belly button.
How to remove a tick: embedded
Use a fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface. Pull upwards with steady even pressure. After removing the tick thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush a tick with your fingers!
What to look for after being bitten: A typical bite is marked by a red, circular patch that is usually raised. The most distinguishing mark would be a tiny dot in the center. Tick bites are not always dangerous but they can be.
When to treat medical treatment:
If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.
Avoid folklore: painting the tick with nail polish, petroleum jelly, or using heat to make the tick detach form the skin. Remember your goal is to remove the tick as quickly as possible-not waiting for it to detach.