With the onset of the warm season, Ukrainians have increasingly mentioned the danger that ticks bear. In forests, parks, dachas and even in urban zones of green vegetation, these parasites can pose a serious threat to health - in particular because of the risk of infection with Lyme disease and other infections. Doctors remind again: prevention is the key to safety.
What to dress and what to take with you
Before walking in nature or staying in the forest park area, take care of protective clothing. Light clothing will be the best choice that makes it easier to see ticks. The pants should be tucked into socks, the shirts should be with long sleeves, and the head must be covered. Open skin and outer clothing should be treated with repellents - deterrents.
Checking is the best habit
When outdoors, it is advisable to look at themselves and satellites every 15-20 minutes - especially children. Attention should be paid to areas that are most commonly chosen: neck, armpits, ears, abdomen, inguinal area, hamstrings. Also be sure to check pets, as ticks can get into your home on their wool.
How to recognize the bite
The tick is not sucked into the skin immediately: it takes about 15-20 minutes. It secretes a liquid that anesthetizes the bite - so the process is almost imperceptible. Symptoms appear only after a few hours or days: redness, itching, swelling. Particular care should be taken to monitor the areas of the body, to which ticks can reach unnoticed.
If the tick has already bitten
If the tick is detected, consult a trauma center immediately - it will be professionally removed and the bite will be treated. If this is not possible, the tick should be slowly pulled on its own - tweezers or a thread loop, trying not to leave the proboscis in the skin. After the procedure, the bite should be disinfected.
It is advisable to keep the tick in a sealed container with a damp cloth inside - for further laboratory analysis for borreliosis. Within two weeks after the bite, you should measure the temperature daily and monitor your well -being. If there is redness, fever or weakness - consult your doctor immediately.
