How to prevent tick bites
Did you know that, in general, tick bites are harmless? However, only in a small percentage of cases can they be dangerous, especially when they contain bacteria that after the bite or bite in turn cause certain diseases, which can cause disorders of the heart, nervous system, arthritis, damage to the kidney , liver and adrenal glands and even death.
In fact, when the tick spreads a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi It can cause Lyme disease, one of the most serious and known. In addition, depending on the type of bacteria that spreads from the bite, other diseases may arise: tularemia (caused by bacteria) Francisella turalensis), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by bacteria) Rickettsia rickettsii) or Colorado tick fever (caused by the tick) Dermacentor andersoni), to name just some of the most common.
It is therefore useful to know what the symptoms of tick bites, and not only to know the symptoms caused by the own bites, but also to attend to the symptoms caused by the diseases that these can end up causing. In this sense, we must remember that in the first case its symptoms are: inflammation, swelling and strong pain at the site of the bite, weakness, blisters and rashes. While, weeks later, if the sting in turn has spread some bacteria may in turn other symptoms, such as: muscle or joint pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, red spots or outbreaks that arise from the place of the sting, as well as headache.
Useful tips to prevent tick bites or stings
At the time of prevent tick bites we must bear in mind that, in general, these live in areas covered by shrubs and herbs, where they wait for the arrival of the most suitable animal to 'stick' to it with their legs, to then place themselves in the hottest and wettest areas ( in the human body especially in the armpits, groin or hair), pierce the skin with their chelicerae and start sucking blood.
Therefore, it is possible to take into account some basic tips that will be very useful to prevent their bites, especially when we are going to walk or take a walk around the field:
Wear suitable protective clothing
If you are going out on the field it is advisable to use both pants and long-sleeved shirts. It is advisable to put pants in socks or shoes and do not leave any open space. It is also advisable to use sleeves that fit well over clothing. Also, if you are going to walk through areas where there are trees, the use of hats or caps is useful.
Regarding the color of the clothing, it is best to always wear light colored clothes, as it will help you to find ticks more easily.
Check if you have ticks
If you are outdoors you can check your clothes, your skin and your hair every 3 or 4 hours, fixing especially in the armpits, in the neck, in the waist and in the hair. In this way, if you encounter a tick, you can remove it and eliminate it more quickly.
Use insect repellent
Insect repellents in the form of spray help in a positive way when it comes to preventing the appearance of ticks. Therefore it is useful to apply it on the lower part of the trousers, the cuffs of the shirt and on the upper part of the boots.
You can also use natural repellents, such as eucalyptus essential oil, chamomile essential oil, pink geranium essential oil or make at home a mixture with essential oil of cinnamon, cedar, lavender and basil and a little lemon juice, applying it to the entire skin.
Images | s p e x / Fairfax County This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
