June and July are the top months for contraction of Lyme disease; however, the month of August still presents a threat of this disease.
Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease. In our area, deer tick is the vector for this disease, and it is only the size of a pinhead. The deer tick lives on deer and mice, and favors wood piles and high grass, so be sure to keep your pathways mown. Larger ticks that are easily seen are not a risk. Should you get bit, remove the tick with the head intact. The sooner the tick is removed, the less likely the risk of transmission of Lyme disease. Be sure to remove the tick whole. Ticks can be removed by tweezers, but if the tick is feeding, a special tick remover may be helpful. These can be purchased at camping stores. Save the tick in a jar and take it with you to your physician.
When outside this summer, cover your head and wear white socks, which makes the ticks more visible. When in deep woods, tuck your pants into your socks.
Although ticks live in the brush, they may attach to your legs and climb up. Be sure to inspect loved ones when they come in from the outdoors, checking not only the sockline, legs, and ankles, but also under undergarments and the hairline. Comb hair thoroughly. Pets can also bring ticks into the home, so keep them in areas of shorter grass and groom regularly. Pets can also become infected themselves.
Many cases of Lyme disease are arrested early by a 6-week regimen of antibiotics. Your doctor may start this right away if you present with a deer tick or the characteristic bullseye rash; testing is sadly unreliable and will show negative values until a few weeks after the bite occurred.
Fortunately, by September rates of this disease drop dramatically. Until then, be careful!
Lachman and Associates is the leading Naturopathic and Regenerative office in the entire county. We have consistently been voted Best in Bucks County in Family Medicine. Our purpose is to help as many people as possible recover their health and live their lives to the fullest. Please call our Warrington office, located near Doylestown, near the border with Montgomery County, today at (267) 406-0782 and speak with one of our friendly staff.
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Tick Tips in Bucks County
