As the weather warms up, it's natural to want to spend more time outside. However, it's important to keep in mind the dangers that come with the great outdoors, particularly in Connecticut and throughout New England, the threat of ticks and Lyme disease. Deer ticks, are common in the New England area, and can transmit Lyme disease if they remain on your skin for more than 36-48 hours. 

This makes early detection and removal of ticks essential during the warmer months. AFC Urgent Care Danbury has come up with a guide to ensure your safety with tips on what you need to know about  to avoid and deal with tick bites.

How to Avoid Tick Bites

The best way to deal with tick bites is to avoid them in the first place. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting bitten:

1. Avoid wooded or grassy areas: Ticks thrive in these areas, so it's best to avoid them as much as possible. If you do need to spend time in these areas, wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize your skin's exposure.
2. Keep your yard clean: Keep your yard clean and your grass cut short. This will make it less hospitable to ticks and other bugs.
3. Use insect repellents: Use insect repellents with DEET or other EPA-approved repellents on your skin, and permethrin on your clothing. This will help 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

If you do get bitten by a tick, it's important to act quickly. 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: The next step is to assess the tick bite wound and come in to get evaluated. 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.

Come To AFC Urgent Care Danbury West for Tick Checks And Removals 

If you're unsure if you got the whole tick out or are not comfortable removing one on your own, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Danbury any day of the week. Our staff is medically trained to remove ticks. The longer the tick stays latched onto the skin, the higher the chances of contracting Lyme disease. We highly suggest coming in as soon as possible to avoid this chance, so we can take action right away to remove it for you.

As we spend more time outdoors, it's important to be aware of the risks that come with tick bites and Lyme disease. By taking the necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, such as avoiding grassy or wooded areas, using insect repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing, you can minimize your risk of contracting Lyme disease. If you do get bitten, act quickly to remove the tick and get evaluated to minimize the risk of developing Lyme disease. Remember, early detection and treatment are essential to ensure a full recovery.

At Urgent Care Danbury West we welcome online appointments and walk-ins too! With our online scheduler and payment portal, we make your check in and check out convenient and hassle free.