Every year, as soon as the warm season comes, all people, and even animals, are in danger of being bitten by a tick. In fact, it is not the bite of this small blood-sucking insect itself that is dangerous, but the fact that when bitten by a tick, there may be infection with the encephalitis virus, in which there may even be a fatal outcome.
However, this is not the only disease that is carried by a tick. Much more often, people bitten by this insect get Lyme disease, which can occur with damage to the heart, joints and nervous system.
Therefore, everyone should know the rules of behavior for tick bites in order to minimize the severe consequences.
Prevention
Yes, indeed, the prevention of tick bites is the first rule that can prevent the risk of contracting a deadly disease.
To do this, it should be remembered that ticks like a warm, moist and shaded environment, and tall grass and woodland are ideal for this. Therefore, people living in regions where such areas with dense vegetation are present or even predominate are highly susceptible to tick bites. They should stay as far away from such an area as possible, at least follow a paved path.
And also do not forget about the appropriate clothes, namely:
- long pants tucked into socks;
- closed shoes;
- long sleeve clothing.
However, people in other regions are also likely to pick up a tick. In this case, if the previous 3 points cannot be fulfilled, then again, avoid thickened vegetation. And also use repellents to repel ticks.
After each walk, it is worth carefully examining all areas of the body, especially areas of the body where there are folds and places of bending, for example, under the kneecaps, armpits, because the bite itself is painless, and aching pain appears only for 2-3 days. Also, do not forget about the head, because it is very easy not to notice a small body under the hair.
The bite site itself is usually a small red spot that can itch. Sometimes there may be a local inflammatory reaction in the form of suppuration. The bite usually does not heal for a long time.
If something like this was found on the body, then it is necessary to treat this place with alcohol, alcohol-containing agents, including iodine and zelenka, or soap, and observe this place and the general condition for a month.
What should I do if the tick still bites and sits on the body?
First of all, there is no need to panic! This does not necessarily mean that the tick was contagious. Moreover, the tick will take several hours to infect someone. However, it is still worth approaching this matter very responsibly.
The first step is to pull it out, preferably with tweezers. But if it is not there, then you can use your hand. In any case, avoid grabbing the tick by the abdomen. Take hold of his head, after which, shaking from side to side, you need to gently and gradually pull him out.
It happens that it is completely impossible to pull out a tick. And if it happened that the insect’s head came off and remained under the skin, then you can try to remove it with a needle previously burned on fire as a splinter. What to do with the tick?
In no case should it be crushed with fingers or nails, because its contents are also dangerous on human skin.
But it is worth placing it in a container and giving it for analysis, which will determine the presence of pathogens in it. In case of a positive response, it is worth carefully monitoring your condition and the bite site.
If it is not planned to take the tick to the laboratory, then just pour boiling water over it or burn it.
It is necessary to resolve the issue of preventive use of antibiotics with the attending physician. Adults are prescribed doxycycline, and children are prescribed flemoxin for 5-7 days.
What symptoms are dangerous after a bite?
If the condition does not change after a tick bite and nothing unusual happens to the body, then there is no reason to worry. However, if at least one of the listed symptoms appears, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible:
- rash;
- red spot on the bite site;
- high fever; body aches;
- fear of light.
There is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor, as this can be a disastrous factor.
Although ticks are small creatures, they are much more dangerous than many predatory animals. Therefore, do not underestimate them and it is always necessary to follow the rules of protection against these blood-sucking insects.
