Ticks are small, but their bites can have a big impact on your health. Knowing how to handle tick bites is important for your health and safety.
How to avoid tick bites
Avoiding tick bites in the first place is the best way to stay safe. Here are ways to help stay protected:
- Wear light, protective clothing. This is especially true in grassy or wooded areas. Wearing light-colored clothing helps to see ticks. Wear a hat, long sleeves and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks and shoes. This makes it harder for ticks to reach your skin.
- Use bug spray. Use a spray with DEET on your skin and clothes. Look for products that have between 20% and 30% DEET for best results. This can help keep ticks away for several hours. Read labels carefully for instructions on how to properly use these products.
- Stay on trails. Try to walk in the middle of trails as much as possible. Avoid brushing against bushes and tall grass where ticks live.
- Do a tick check: After outdoor activities, always do a tick check followed by a shower. Scrub thoroughly with a washcloth.
- Check pets. Pets can bring ticks into the home. Check your pets after they go outside. Talk to your veterinarian about how to prevent ticks on your pets.
How to safely remove a tick
If you find a tick on your skin, don’t panic. Follow these steps to remove it safely:
- Use tweezers. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
- Remove carefully. Pull the tick straight out with steady pressure. Try not to twist or jerk it. Be sure to remove the entire tick, including its head.
- Clean the bite area. After removing the tick, wash the bite area with soap and water. You can also use an antiseptic like rubbing alcohol.
- Dispose of the tick. Never crush a tick with your fingers. You can get rid of the tick by either putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet.
- Symptoms to Watch For
- Most tick bites don’t cause serious illness. It is wise to be cautious and know what to do if you’re bitten. After a tick bite, watch for these symptoms that could be a sign you’re getting sick:
- Rash. Look for a new red spot or rash near the bite area or one that expands over time.
- Fever. Any temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) or feeling unusually warm.
- Flu-like symptoms. Feeling unusually tired, achy or having a headache.
- If you have any of these symptoms after a tick bite, see a care provider. Symptoms can appear within a few days to a few weeks following the bite. This can happen even if you’ve taken medication to prevent illness.
Taking medication to prevent Lyme disease
In some cases, your care provider may prescribe the antibiotic doxycycline. This is to help prevent Lyme disease following a tick bite. Doxycycline can significantly reduce the chance of getting Lyme disease. It is still possible to get Lyme disease or other diseases from ticks even after taking this medicine. Doxycycline kills the bacteria that causes Lyme disease before it has a chance to make you sick.
Common side effects after taking doxycycline are stomachache, diarrhea and sunlight sensitivity. Take doxycycline with food and avoid lying down right after taking it. This helps avoid any irritation in your throat. If you have strong symptoms or reactions like a rash, swelling or trouble breathing, seek medical attention right away. Keep your care provider informed of any care you’ve received for the tick bite.