Ticks, particularly the Ixodes species, are small yet dangerous creatures that can transmit several serious diseases, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Here's what's essential to know to protect yourself and respond correctly in case of a tick bite.
The life cycle of ticks go through three stages of development: larva, nymph, and adult. The greatest risk of contracting Lyme disease comes from nymphs, which are smaller and harder to notice on the body
How to properly remove a tick? If you find a tick on your body, it's crucial to remove it as soon as possible:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull the tick upwards with steady, even pressure without squeezing or twisting it
- After removing the tick, wash the bite area with soapy water and thoroughly wash your hands
What to do after removing a tick?
It's advisable to consult a doctor to discuss the need for a one-time antibiotic prophylaxis within a maximum of 72 hours after the bite. Monitor the bite site for up to 30 days. If signs of erythema migrans or other symptoms such as fever or fatigue appear, seek medical attention immediately or stay in touch with your healthcare provider.
Preventing diseases carried by ticks
To protect against tick bites, use DEET repellents on the skin and permethrin on clothing. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, available in some countries, is also recommended.
Myths
The use of immunoglobulin as an emergency post-bite treatment for the prevention and treatment of tick-borne encephalitis was once practiced in Europe. However, controlled clinical trials have not confirmed its effectiveness, and its use was discontinued after reports of suspected antibody-dependent enhancement of infection, leading to more severe disease progressions. In Russia and Kazakhstan, specific immunoglobulin preparations against the tick-borne encephalitis virus continue to be used; information about their effectiveness is mostly published in non-English literature, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy.
Tick testing is not recommended worldwide as laboratories that conduct tick tests are not required to adhere to the high-quality control standards used in clinical diagnostic laboratories. The results should not be used to make treatment decisions. Positive results indicating that the tick carries a pathogen do not necessarily mean you are infected, and negative results could lead to false assurance, and another tick, which was infected, might have bitten you unknowingly
How to recognize lyme disease?
The first symptom is often erythema migrans — a red spot that appears at the bite site. If you notice this symptom or other signs of the disease after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.
Knowing these basics will help you avoid tick-borne diseases and respond appropriately if bitten. You can also use an online tool for assistance at all stages of a tick encounter - CDC Tick Bite Bot.
Photo by Archee Lal on Unsplash
