Bite back against Lyme disease Symptoms and triggers of rosacea

Among the tall grasses and wildflowers that sprout each spring and summer lies a stealth predator just waiting for its chance at an easy meal. Ticks may be small in stature, but their impact on bite victims is potentially significant. Preventing Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses comes down to following some key steps.

• Learn how common Lyme disease is. Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 people each year in the United States alone, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector-borne Diseases. Lyme disease is most common in New England, the mid-atlantic states and the upper Midwest. Between 2009 and 2022, the Government of Canada reported 17,080 human cases of Lyme disease across Canada. However, instances of Lyme disease are likely underreported due to undiagnosed cases.

• Know which ticks carry Lyme disease. The blacklegged deer tick and the Western black-legged tick carry the Lyme disease spirochete. The black-legged tick is native to the northeastern, mid-atlantic and north-central U.S., while the western black-legged tick is found on the Pacific coast.

• Wear light-colored clothing outdoors. When traveling in areas where ticks reside, it is important to wear light-colored clothing. Long pants and tall socks, long-sleeved shirts, and hats also should be worn. It is easier to spot ticks on light-colored clothing, and covering up prevents ticks from gaining easy access to skin.

• Know where to expect ticks. John’s Hopkins Medicine says black-legged ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in and near wooded or grassy areas. Walking through leaves and bushes or through tall grasses can disturb ticks and enable them to jump onto people or pets. To avoid ticks, walk in the center of trails and avoid tall vegetation.

• Be mindful of pets. Even if you do not venture outdoors into tick-laden environments, your dog may. He or she can carry ticks into the house where they may end up on you or other family members. Prescription tick repellent products are available from veterinarians, and there are topical solutions and collars that can keep ticks away.

• Remove ticks quickly and correctly. The CDC says if a tick is removed in less than 24 hours from when it first attached, the chances of getting Lyme disease is very small. Remove a tick with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as it is noticed, being cautious to remove all mouth parts. Try not to squeeze the tick, as it can regurgitate saliva and other fluids when squeezed.

• Repel ticks when possible. Create less favorable conditions for ticks. Use a product containing DEET or permethrin on clothing to repel ticks. Some people use chemical-control agents on their properties to reduce the number of ticks in the yard. Discourage deer from the property, as they can carry many ticks, by erecting fences and removing vegetation that deer eat.

Various strategies can help people reduce their risk for Lyme disease.

People go to great lengths when tending to their appearance. Many morning and nighttime routines involve measures to protect the skin, which is why it can be so frustrating when a condition like rosacea suddenly appears.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that rosacea is a common skin disease that typically begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. Over the years, many notable public figures have had rosacea, including former American president Bill Clinton and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Rosacea can cause a number of symptoms, and recognizing those symptoms and what might be causing them can help people overcome the condition. Symptoms of rosacea The AAD notes that there are so many signs and symptoms of rosacea that scientists ultimately categorized them by four subtypes.

• Subtype 1: Subtype 1 is characterized by facial redness, flushing and visible broken blood vessels, sometimes referred to as “spider veins.”

• Subtype 2: This subtype is marked by acne-like breakouts, usually where the skin is very red. These breakouts tend to come and go. People with subtype 2 rosacea may experience oily skin and also suffer from spider veins. Raised patches of skin known as plaques also may be present.

Skin may sting and burn for individuals with subtypes 1 or 2. In addition, very sensitive skin is hallmark of both subtypes.

• Subtype 3: The AAD notes the rarity of subtype 3, which is characterized by thickening skin. Subtype 3 is often preceded by another subtype. Bumpy texture to the skin, thickening skin on the nose, visible broken blood vessels, and large pores also are symptomatic of subtype 3.

• Subtype 4: Subtype 4 occurs when people get rosacea in their eyes. In such instances, the eyes may exhibit one or more of many symptoms, including a watery or bloodshot appearance; a gritty feeling which makes affected persons feel as though they have sand in their eyes; burning or stinging eyes; very dry eyes; itchy eyes; sensitivity to light; and visible broken blood vessels on an eyelid. Triggers of rosacea The AAD indicates that the skin is so sensitive that many things can contribute to rosacea. That’s why it’s so important that individuals and their skin doctors determine what may trigger their rosacea to flare up. Common triggers include sunlight, hairspray, heat, stress, alcohol, and spicy foods. In addition, the AAD notes that wind and cold, certain medications, exercise, and some makeup have been identified as rosacea triggers.

Rosacea is a common skin disease that can be painful but also manageable. More information about rosacea is available at www.aad.org.