Spring has finally arrived, and so have the ticks! I have removed several ticks from students over the last few days. Being prepared for these pests can improve your child’s outdoor experience, and prevent tick borne illnesses, such as Lyme DIsease, which is transmitted by the black legged deer tick. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted, so if you remove a tick quickly, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease. Keep reading to find out more of what you need to know!
Where can you expect ticks?
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, and under leaf debris. It’s important to prepare for encounters with ticks before you go out by avoiding areas where ticks are prevalent, and to check for them when you come in from outside.
Before you go out:
You may choose to treat clothing and gear with an insecticide that contains 0.5% permethrin, or use EPA registered insect repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), etc. Just be sure to carefully follow the label instructions for use, and avoid use of OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old. Pro tip: Wearing light clothing makes ticks easier to spot! Also, if you know you will be in high tick areas, tucking pant legs into your socks prevents ticks from crawling up your legs.
When you come in:
Ticks may hitch a ride into your home on your clothes or pets. Do a thorough check when you come in from outside, and shower right away. Ticks tend to hide under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, backs of the knees, in the hair, between the legs, and around the waist.
What do I do if I’ve been bitten by a tick?
If you or someone you know has a tick attached to your skin, remove it right away by pulling it straight up from the skin at a 90 degree angle with a pair of tweezers. Do not try to smother it with vaseline or attempt to make it back out of the skin using a hot match end. These methods are not effective, and can cause additional damage to your skin. Notify your PCP in case they choose to treat prophylactically with antibiotics. Watch the removal site for signs of infection, and monitor for signs of illness. Remember, some tick borne illnesses have very similar symptoms to the flu with achy muscles and joints. Lyme disease MAY or MAY NOT present with the classic "bullseye" rash.
Want additional information?
Additional information about ticks can be found on the VES Nurse Webpage.
Julie Lizanecz
MBAHM, BSN, RN