Ticks are parasitic arachnids which attach themselves to warm-blooded animals, such as humans, in order to feed on their blood. After the tick is finished eating, it detaches and waits for another victim. Unfortunately for animals bitten by ticks, tick bites can be irritating and also potentially life threatening. The first thing to do about tick bites is to avoid them, but if that fails, there are steps you can take to reduce potential problems.
Brush and scrub land are the preferred environments for ticks. Humans can get bites from ticks while playing, hiking, or working, as can animals. Humans should wear light colored clothing so that they can easily see ticks on their bodies. Long sleeves and pants are also a good idea, as is tucking pants into boots. Tick repellent can also be worn, although be careful around children and pets. Children should wear tick repellent specifically formulated for them, as should animals, since some substances in human tick repellent are toxic to animals.
After a hike or outdoor adventure, people and animals should be carefully checked for ticks and signs of tick bites. When a tick bites, they secrete substances through their mouth parts which can cause irritation. The bite often appears swollen, red, or otherwise inflamed. It may also be painful. Ticks can be quite small, and they favor the hair and the armpits, so always get someone to check you for ticks. If you find bites, wash them with soap and water and swab them with alcohol.
If a tick is found on the body, try to save it, in case it has bitten you. If you find a tick embedded in your skin, remove it with tweezers, pulling firmly but steadily straight out without twisting or pulling. It's a good idea to wear latex gloves while removing a tick to protect the hands. Save the tick, and wash the tick bite as well as your hands in warm, soapy water. An astringent such as witch hazel can relieve irritation caused by the bites.
A number of health problems are associated with tick bites, including Lyme's disease, cysts, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and paralysis. If symptoms of any of these diseases develop, seek medical attention immediately, even if you have not seen or felt any ticks. Keep ticks that you find on your body for up to two weeks, as they may help a doctor identify the cause of a health problem. If you have a tick bite surrounded by a red ring which looks like a bullseye, visit a doctor, as this is a symptom associated with Lyme's disease.
