Sunbathing and swimming, hiking, picnicking or just lying outside and relaxing in the grass, all of these things are why summer is the favorite season for most people . But unfortunately, there is one thing that is almost inevitable, no matter how much you try to escape: ticks.
These small parasites are a thing of really difficult to bear. And even if you've never been sick from a tick bite, other people have already been sick. The worst thing is that ticks are tiny and almost impossible to see until it's too late and they're lodged in your skin. Knowing that it is not always easy to get rid of them and anyone who has ever tried to remove ticks from a dog or cat can testify.
It is for this reason that we will give you some simple tips to avoid being a victim of these small undesirable creatures, also share what will follow a maximum around you.
Vaccine and anti-tick repellents
First of all, if you go on a trip, a vaccine is the best protection against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). You can get this vaccine in different medical centers and vaccination centers as well as some pharmacies. However, there is no vaccine against Lyme disease, the latter must be treated with antibiotics.
There are also several other ways to avoid ticks. One is to apply essential oils, which are supposed to be able to keep these pests at a safe distance. Here are 5 essential oils that are effective in this area:
1. Lavender oil smells good, but insects can not stand it.
2. Penny mint oil is part of the mint family, but is poisonous to insects.
3. Lemongrass oil has a wonderful citrus scent and you can apply it directly to your skin; she is a true repellent for ticks.
4. Eucalyptus oil not only keeps insects at bay, but also relieves their bites and itches that come with it.
5. Lemon oil is another fragrance that insects do not like. Put a little on your skin to remove them, you can even spray on your clothes.
However, it is necessary to dilute these essential oils in a carrier oil. Pregnant women should not use them during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Some tips to avoid ticks
If you live in an area where ticks are known to exist, you have many ways to protect yourself. For example, when walking in the woods, it is wise to cover yourself and wear boots, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
According to one study, dark clothing has been shown to be less attractive to ticks. But on the other hand, ticks can be easier to detect and remove when wearing light clothing.
Also try to stay in the middle of the trails and avoid walking in tall grass, especially in the morning and on wet ground. And always check your clothes after spending time in nature.
Remove ticks
If you have one, remove it as soon as possible because no infection is usually transmitted during the first few hours. So the sooner you remove a tick, the lower the risk of infection.
According to the Center of Disease Control in the United States, you must use tweezers to remove ticks. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull straight out. Then wash the bite with water and soap or rubbing alcohol.
The idea of having to twist the pliers is a myth, just pull up. Also try not to pinch the body of the tick because it can facilitate the infection if it carries a disease.
Bite symptoms
If you have been bitten by a tick, there will be symptoms to watch for. You will have a red dot or an eruption that will disappear a few days later. But if it persists, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
In case of TBE, it usually takes four to ten days from the time of infection before getting sick. Common symptoms are headache, muscle aches, fatigue and fever. But if ever the virus reaches the brain, the symptoms include severe fevers and headaches, vomiting and difficulty concentrating.
The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a red rash more than five centimeters in diameter that appears three to 30 days after the bite of the tick. If the disease spreads, you may experience symptoms such as fever, joint pain, weight loss, or temporary paralysis.