P.S. We hate deer ticks, too!
Deer ticks and people are like oil and water - they just don't mix. While people love to spend time outdoors and go on hikes, deer ticks love to bite and give unwanted diseases like Lyme disease. For this reason, AFC Urgent Care Natick has created a guide on lyme disease prevention and what to do if you do get bitten by a deer tick.
Avoiding Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease
Deer ticks are notorious for being sneaky and latching onto you without you realizing it. To avoid getting bitten by a deer tick, it's important to take preventative measures. Massachusetts and other New England states are particularly known to be infested with deer ticks, so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts need to be extra cautious.
When hiking, it's recommended that you stay on the trail and avoid walking through tall vegetation. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks can also help prevent deer tick bites. Additionally, it's important to do a self-inspection and check all parts of your body, especially areas like under the arms, behind the ears, and in the scalp.
Using insect repellent is also a good idea when spending time outdoors. Repellents that contain DEET can provide protection against many biting insects, including ticks and mosquitoes. The Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Disease Control have resources to help you pick the best insect repellent for you.
Removing Your Deer Tick Is Not Always Easy
Removing your deer tick is not always easy. Deer ticks have fishhook-like mouths that sink deep into your skin, making it difficult to remove them. It's important to be careful when removing a deer tick as improper removal can increase your risk of contracting Lyme disease.
The CDC recommends using fine tip tweezers to remove a deer tick. Do not put anything on the tick, such as oils or alcohol, and do not burn or twist it off. Instead, place the tweezers close to the skin on the mouth part and lift and hold until the tick releases its hold.
AFC Urgent Care Natick Can Help You Remove Your Deer Tick
If you're having trouble removing your deer tick, don't worry - AFC Urgent Care Natick can help remove it for you! It's highly suggested to come in within the first 24 hours of being bitten so that the tick can be removed as soon as possible. In addition to removing ticks, AFC Urgent Care Natick can also evaluate you for any tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
If you're experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle aches after being bitten by a tick, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
AFC Urgent Care Natick is open 7 days a week taking both walk-ins and appointments. We also offer an online bill payment portal, making it easy for you to check out after your visit with us.
