Tick season is officially here, which means, protecting your pets and yourself. The tiny parasites are notorious for carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Summer sees most cases of Lyme disease as ticks are more active in May through August. As well as keeping your surroundings tick-free, you should also know the signs of Lyme disease to seek medical intervention at the right time.
‘First stage’ of Lyme disease you shouldn’t ignore
Certified dermatologist Dr. Aamna Adel warns of Lyme disease and its symptoms as we are in the summer months. The bacterial infection spreads through the bite of infected ticks.
The typical symptoms of the disease, according to the CDC, include fever, headaches, fatigue, and others. If untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the head, and even the nervous system.
After showing the right way to remove a tick, the dermatologist outlines the “first sign’ of Lyme disease – erythema migrans. It is a red expanding rash, that appears after a tick bite.
If you spot a tick on yourself followed by the above sign, see a doctor immediately. The rash can appear anywhere from day one to one month after a tick bite. Erythema migrans is a circular red rash that expands over 2 inches in diameter.
The correct way to remove a tick
Ticks can burst and the eggs from the parasite can cause severe infection, multiple even, if not removed properly when spotted on the body.
The belly button is among other areas where ticks are commonly found. You must look underneath the folds in your navel often, especially if you’re exposed to grassy and wooded areas or have pets at home.
If you ever find a tick on your body, you must first remove it and clean the area thoroughly with an antibacterial cleanser or ointment. As soon as you spot one– the leaner male or bulgy female ones – use a twister to pull it right out of the tip.
Ensure you don’t pluck the tick’s body apart and leave its head embedded into your dog’s skin. Don’t forget to bring the tick with you while seeing a doctor as it’ll be sent to the laboratory to determine if it’s carrying any pathogens.
Dr. Aamna Adel, an NHS dermatologist based in London, warns against using ground coffee under your eyes to brighten dark circles as TikTok videos claim. The dermatologist with over 1.5 million followers on TikTok is a member of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group and actively uses the platform to discuss all things, skin, hair, and nails.
