The warm summer months are a prime time to enjoy outdoor activities but they are also prime tick season. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded, brushy and grassy places but can also be carried onto lawns and into houses by pets. Ticks can transmit a variety of different diseases through their bite. One of the most prevalent tick-borne conditions here in the Northeast is Lyme disease.
Lyme is a bacterial disease that can be tricky to diagnose because there is such a variety in the symptoms and how they present in each person. Erythema Migrans or “Bulls-Eye Rash”, a hallmark sign of Lyme disease, occurs in and estimated 30-80% of patients infected with Lyme, and many of the other symptoms can often mimic other diseases and conditions. If left untreated, late stage Lyme disease can cause complications such as arthritis, nervous system irregularities, heartbeat irregularities, chronic inflammation, fatigue, and issues with memory and concentration. Therefore, prevention and early detection and treatment are key. Below are some tips to help avoid tick bites, and what to do if you get one.
Prevent Tick Bites:
- Avoid heavily wooded areas, brush and tall grass
- Stick to the center of the trail when hiking/camping/etc.
- Wear tall socks and long pants
- Treat clothing with permethrin
- Use tick repellents such as DEET or lavender/lemongrass/rosemary essential oils
- Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes after being outdoors to kill any ticks
- Do a daily tick check (check everywhere on your body)
Removing Ticks:
- Use fine tip tweezers to grasp the tick at the surface of your skin
- Pull straight up, do not twist or jerk the tick
- Clean the bite and your hands with antiseptic or soap and warm water
Early Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
- Erythema Migrans (Bulls-Eye rash)
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you experience a tick bite or any of the above symptoms and live or work in an area where ticks are common, you should contact your health care provide right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Kevy Smith is a chiropractor in Saratoga Springs providing non-surgical treatment of spinal disorders and sports-related injuries. For more information please visit MySaratogaChiropractor.com or call (518) 587-2064
