I spy a little deer tick on you! Do you know how to remove one in time? These small pests can transmit Lyme disease, a serious and potentially debilitating illness, if they remain attached to your skin for more than 36-48 hours. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting bitten and to deal with tick bites if they do occur. AFC Urgent care Southington has you covered with a guide on Lyme disease and deer ticks so you can stay safe outdoors this season!

Avoiding Deer Tick Bites

The best way to deal with tick bites is to avoid them altogether. Here are some tips to help minimize your risk:

1. Avoid wooded or grassy areas: Ticks thrive in these environments, so it's best to avoid them as much as possible. If you do need to spend time in these areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize skin exposure.
2. Keep your yard clean: Keep your yard well-maintained and your grass cut short. This will make it less hospitable to ticks and other pests.
3. Use insect repellents: Use insect repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved repellents on your skin, and permethrin on your clothing to keep ticks at bay.
4. Shower after being outside: Take a shower as soon as possible after being outside, and inspect your body for ticks. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help you check hard-to-see areas.
5. Check your pets: Pets can also get bitten and contract Lyme disease, so make sure you check them regularly for ticks.

What to Do If You Get Bitten By A Deer Tick

If you do get bitten by a deer tick, it's important to act quickly to minimize your risk of contracting Lyme disease. Here's what to do:

1. Remove the tick: Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Don't twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the remaining parts with tweezers if possible.
2. Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
3. Get evaluated: It's important to have the tick bite wound evaluated by a medical professional. If you can save the tick in a ziplock bag, you can bring it in to confirm if it was a deer tick that bit you.

AFC Urgent Care Southington Can Remove Deer Ticks For You

If you're unsure if you've removed the entire tick or are not comfortable removing it on your own, AFC Urgent Care Southington here to help. Our staff is medically trained to remove ticks safely and effectively. The longer the tick remains attached to the skin, the higher the chances of contracting Lyme disease, so it's essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

AFC Urgent Care Southington is here 7 days a week to remove your tick. No online appointments needed, but they are welcomed. Just to keep it a little more simple, our online payment portal takes a few clicks to pay your bill. 

***It's crucial to take precautions to minimize your risk of getting bitten by ticks and to act quickly if you do get bitten. Avoiding wooded or grassy areas, using insect repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing are effective ways to reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. If you do get bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible and seek medical attention to minimize the risk of developing Lyme disease.