Lyme disease spreads to hosts through small ticks that can easily go unnoticed. This is why prevention and early detection are crucial. Taking the time to check for ticks after being outdoors can reduce the risk of infection. Keep a close eye on warm, moist places such as armpits, groin, waist, scalp, and behind the knees. Don’t forget to check kids and pets, too. Dress for protection and have confidence when you step outdoors.
Lyme disease is becoming more and more well-known as people begin to speak out with their stories and struggles. If you are someone who loves exploring the outdoors, knowing that it is transmitted through the bite of a tiny tick can make you hesitant and nervous. You may even feel like you have to give up something you love.
The truth is, many people don’t know how to check for ticks or protect themselves from the infection. And, this increases their risk.
By educating yourself about the disease and its transmission and taking a few simple steps, you are able to protect yourself and continue to confidently enjoy life outdoors.
Here’s what you need to know to check for ticks properly and avoid Lyme disease.
Why You Have to Check for Ticks
Ticks can be stealthy, making their way onto you without you even knowing. They do not jump or fly, so you likely won’t even know they are around you. Instead, they sit patiently on leaves, grass, shrubs, and the brush of wooded areas—waiting for you to pass by. Once you rub against their resting spot, they latch on and make you their new host. And, because you can’t even feel their bite, they can be there for quite a while without notice, especially if you aren’t paying attention.
Ready for some more truth? A tick that is not removed can transmit Lyme disease.
How to Check for Ticks
Checking for ticks after being outdoors is one of the most effective ways to minimize your risk of a Lyme infection. Here’s how to do it.
Timing is Everything
When it comes to protecting yourself, time is of the essence. You are going to want to perform your tick checks immediately following your time outdoors. The earlier you find them and remove them, the less likely you are to get infected. Generally, ticks will need to be attached for about 24 to 48 hours in order to transmit the disease, but there is no sense in taking the risk—check right away.
If you live in a tick-prone area, do this every time you are outdoors walking the dog, gardening, or even playing with your kids.
Where to Look
Ticks can be tricky since they are so tiny— some as small as a poppy seed. And they can make their way into some of the least visible places on the body. So, where can you find them? They tend to migrate to areas that are warm, moist, and out of sight. You will want to check everywhere, but here is where they are most commonly found:
- Scalp and hairline
- Behind the ears
- Armpits
- Waistline
- Belly button
- Groin and buttocks
- Behind the knees
- Between the toes
Visibility is Key
Remember, ticks are hard to see, which is why clear visibility is so important, including proper lighting. It is easiest when you have help from another person, as it can be tougher for a tick to hide from two sets of eyes.
How do you check yourself for ticks when you are alone? In an area with lots of lighting, stand in front of a full-length mirror, closely examining yourself. For hard-to-reach areas, a handheld mirror can help increase visibility.
Whatever you do, do not underestimate a tick’s ability to stay out of sight.
Check Your Kids and Pets
If your little ones like spending time outdoors, be sure to always do a thorough check on them using the same method. Look them over closely, not forgetting to check those out-of-the-way, hidden areas.
Ticks can also choose your pet as a host. Not only will this put your dog or cat at risk for Lyme disease, but your fur friend would be carrying the tick into your yard and your home, putting your family in harm’s way. Slowly run your fingers through their fur, focusing on their ears, collar area, and underbelly.
Dress Strategically
You can significantly reduce your chance of getting a tick bite if you dress with prevention in mind.
White or light colored clothing makes it much easier for ticks to stand out so that you can see them and remove them. Also, covering your skin and creating a barrier with your clothes can reduce the places one can reach— tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks.
Don’t make yourself an easy host.
You Found a Tick—Now What?
Hopefully, you never come across a tick when you are doing your search. But, if you do, what is your next step? The goal is to remove it. But the way you remove a tick matters. Do not just yank out the tick with your fingers.
Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to its head as possible. Pull up slowly and in one steady motion. The key is to not leave anything behind.
After it is fully removed, wash the area with soapy water. Keep an eye out for any signs of Lyme disease, such as a rash or a fever.
Taking the Next Step With Lyme Disease
Thousands of people have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, and many more have likely been misdiagnosed. While there are ways that you can reduce your risk and prevent an infection, it isn’t foolproof. Sometimes things just happen. Sometimes ticks transmit Lyme disease, and you may never see it coming.
At Lyme Mexico, our expert Lyme-literate team is here to support our patients with a multidisciplinary approach to Lyme disease treatment. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand and find alternate treatments that will give you relief. The advanced care will guide patients toward remission, offering relief from their symptoms.
If this is something you are searching for, contact us. Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.
Check This Out!
One tick bite can change everything. Before you head outdoors, make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself.
Check out the video below for simple habits that can lower your risk and help you stay safe.