How to stave off tick bites
Q: A close friend was diagnosed recently with Lyme disease due to a tick bite. However, I recently read about some new type of tick-borne illness. My family loves to hike and be outdoors, but I’m nervous now about continuing our activities. How can I reduce our risk of illness from bites?
A: Ticks, which are closely related to spiders, are nearly everywhere in the U.S. and can transmit several different germs to humans. Two new tickborne pathogens were detected at Mayo Clinic in the past decade.
The most prevalent and commonly known tickborne disease in North America is Lyme disease. It’s transmitted by a blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick.
Recently, there has been concern about the Lone Star tick, which carries the deadly Heartland virus. These ticks have been around a long time, but the numbers are increasing from the southeastern U.S. to other parts of the country. To reduce the risk of tick bites, remember these ABCs:
Avoid ticks: Be aware of places that are more likely to have ticks and avoid them. A forest — with lots of undergrowth, leaf litter and tall grasses — is a prime place to encounter ticks. If you are hiking, look for a clear path and stay in the middle.
Bug spray: Whenever you go outdoors, whether it’s spring, summer or early fall, apply bug spray. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends applying a bug spray to your skin that contains either DEET 30% or Picaridin. You also could use a bug spray that has oil of lemon eucalyptus in it.
There is also a tick repellent called permethrin that can be sprayed on clothing for more protection. Permethrin kills ticks and lasts several washes. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated all the types of tick and mosquito repellents, and has shown these ingredients to be very effective in repelling and even killing ticks. Clothing: If you’re going to be outside and in areas where ticks may be lurking, dress in a way that limits skin exposure and will make it harder for ticks to bite. Something as simple as tucking your pants into your socks can help. When it is hot outside, it may not be comfortable to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, so that’s where the combination of clothing and bug spray come in.
In addition to preventive measures, it’s important to check yourself for ticks after coming in from outdoors. That holds true for pets, too. Check as soon as you come inside and periodically during the day if you’re going to be out for some time. The longer a tick stays attached to your skin while it’s feeding, the greater likelihood there is for transmitting disease.
To remove a tick, use forceps or fine-tipped tweezers to pinch the tick at the point where its mouthparts are inserted into the skin. Pull the tick out slowly in one continuous motion. Do not twist or crush the tick during this process, since that may increase the risk of infection. Avoid home remedies, such as putting nail polish or petroleum jelly on the tick or lighting it on fire.
If you have been exposed to ticks, particularly if you have a tick bite, watch for symptoms of a tick-borne disease, such as rash, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. In rare cases, some patients can develop a significant allergy to meat, such as pork, beef or venison, after a tick bite.
A patient that discovers a tick that has been attached for 36 hours or more or who has any of the symptoms above should see a doctor. As ticks continue to expand their range, it’s important to take efforts to reduce your risk of tick-borne diseases.
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