Biting bugs like ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers are such a common nuisance that most of us don’t give them any thought at all. However, after 27 years as a holistic medicine doctor, I’ve learned that even though ticks and other bugs are common in certain climates, they are not without serious risk.
Two weeks ago, on a trip home to the midwest, we found an engorged tick in my granddaughter’s scalp. Needless to say, I leapt into action!
And while I felt confident in my ability to remove and deal with the aftermath of a tick bite, I couldn’t help but think how many people might not.
We all know that ticks can carry diseases, but what exactly are we supposed to do about it?
How do you remove a tick?
And what can be done after a tick bite to prevent and monitor for potential diseases?
This article has the answers to all of these questions – Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, has the ultimate guide to proper tick removal, testing, and symptom monitoring after a tick bite, so you can leap into action too! At the end of this article, you will also find our favorite tick bite herbs and remedies to support your immune system and provide symptom relief.
How Do I Remove a Tick?
First, things first, let’s talk about the best way to remove a tick to prevent infection and disease.
Removing a tick is relatively simple once you know what to do. To get started, you need a pair of tweezers.
Step 1: Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers
Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Press down into the skin to get well underneath the head of the tick. Press firmly, but slowly to reduce the risk of the tick regurgitating its stomach contents on extraction.
Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick to prevent it from injecting infectious material.
Step 2: Pull Upward Steadily
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Step 3: Clean the Area
After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Step 4: Consult the Experts
My favorite online resources for managing tick bites were created by Dr. Jill Crista. She offers a number of handouts to help you deal with tick removal and the aftermath of a tick bite, including her Found A Tick Schematic and Tick Testing Schematic.
Step 5: Save the Tick for Testing
I know, I know, the last thing you want to do after removing a tick is to hold onto it. But testing the tick can actually save you a lot of time and worry.
I highly recommend tick testing for two reasons: 1) to determine if it is carrying any diseases and 2) to prevent unnecessary antibiotics. After you remove the tick, simply place it in a sealed container so you can send it off for testing.
Here are a few companies that test ticks:
Depending on where you live, the percentage of diseased ticks can vary. In areas like the Northeast and Upper Midwest, up to 50% of ticks carry Lyme Disease while in the South and West only about 10% carry the disease. When in doubt, send your tick to be tested and save your peace of mind.
When to Worry About a Tick Bite
Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are becoming more and more common in the United States. Cases of Lyme disease have almost doubled since 1991.
Any time you find a tick on you is going to be cause for some concern. But before you panic, you should know a few key facts:
- According to practitioners at ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Disease Society), a tick needs to be attached for 24-48 hours or longer to transmit a disease. In general, the longer a tick is attached, the more likely it is to transmit disease which is why removing a tick immediately reduces your risk tremendously.
- Most tick borne illnesses, including Lyme Disease, are treatable. Especially when they are caught quickly.
- Not all ticks carry diseases, which is why testing is a good idea.
So, when should you worry about a tick bite?
Here are a few common signs and symptoms that indicate the tick that bit you is carrying a disease.
- Rash: A lot of people know that a common symptom of Lyme Disease is the characteristic “bullseye” rash in the bite-site. However, any red spot or rash near the bite site could indicate the presence of a tick-borne illness.
- Fever/Chills: Watch for flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches.
- Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue or malaise can be a sign of infection.
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches.
- Joint Pain: Pain or swelling in the joints.
Symptoms may appear days or even weeks after the initial bite. Monitor the area closely and consult with your doctor if you see any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
Should I go to the doctor if I find a tick on me?
You can and should go to your doctor after a tick bite if you are displaying any of the symptoms listed above or need guidance on tick testing. Some people find it difficult to remove the tick, so you should also consult your healthcare provider if you suspect part of the tick remains in your skin.
Tick Treatment for Humans
When it comes to tick treatment for humans, you have several options to prevent disease, including antibiotics, herbs, and remedies. As always, speak with your healthcare professional to determine which of these treatments may be right for you!
Medical Prophylaxis
In some cases, your physician may recommend a single dose of antibiotics as a prophylactic measure. This course of treatment is usually best for those who had a tick attached for 36 hours or more and when the risk of Lyme disease is high.
Herbal Prophylaxis
Some common herbs are used to prevent tick-borne disease and illness, including astragalus, cat’s claw, and andrographis.
- Astragalus: Boosts the immune system and potentially prevents tick-borne infections.
- Cat’s Claw: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Andrographis: Anti-inflammatory and supports immune function.
Natural Remedies
Ledum and Apis are both natural remedies that will help you deal with symptoms from your tick bite, including itching, stinging, and redness.
- Ledum (Ledum palustre): Often used for puncture wounds, including insect bites and stings. It may help with symptoms after a tick bite.
- Apis (Apis mellifica): Used for swelling, redness, and stinging pain from insect bites. It can be beneficial if there is a localized reaction to the tick bite.
While it’s never fun to find a tick on yourself or a loved one, there’s no need to panic. Remove the tick quickly and carefully, send the tick for testing, monitor your symptoms, and speak to your healthcare professional as needed.
In the meantime, prophylactic measures, including herbs and homeopathic remedies, can support your immune system and potentially reduce your risk of infection.
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What happened to my granddaughter’s tick?
Thankfully, the tick we found on her scalp, which was an adult female lone star tick, did not carry borrelia (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease) or the co-infections babesia or bartonella. She also showed no signs of symptoms like fever, chills, or other infection signs. Guided by that information, we treated her with a homeopathic remedy (Ledum) to avoid antibiotics and gave a huge sigh of relief.
Knowing what to do can make all the difference when dealing with tick-bites, which is why Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, offers resources and treatments for both prevention and treatment.
Typically, a tick needs to be attached for 24 to 72 hours to transmit a disease. The longer it’s attached, the greater the chance of transmission. So, quick and accurate removal is the first step, followed by preventative herbs and symptom monitoring.
Then, if worse comes to worse and you develop symptoms after a tick bite, don’t panic! Click here to schedule a consultation so we can discuss treatment options today!
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