Deer tick bite - symptoms you should recognize and treat

People who spend time outside are no strangers to deer tick bites. Ticks can be found in tall grass and bushes, waiting patiently for a host to feed off of.

Tick bites, especially deer tick bites, are often associated with Lyme disease. Although this is true, they also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and ehrlichiosis. In United States, deer ticks are the ones that transmit Lyme disease in most cases.

It is a popular myth that ticks jump around until they find a host. This is not true. They attach by physical contact, and move up and down up to a few hours until they find a site to attach to.

Once they attach, they feed on the host's blood. This is where it get dangerous. Bacteria that deer ticks are sometimes infected with, can be transmitted to the host.

Once they are done eating, they fall off and are ready to mate.

After you are done with removing the tick, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible. Don't forget to preserve the tick.

Tick bite symptoms that may develop:

• In this tick bite picture, you can see what kind of tick bite rash may develop
• Tick bite fever
• General flu-like symptoms
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Symptoms you need to be especially aware of:

• Difficulties breathing
• Pulsating, severe headache
• Chest pains
• Heart palpitations

It is very important to try and preserve the tick once it is pulled out. You could do this by placing it in a bottle filled with alcohol. This way, it can be sent to a lab and examined in order to see if it has been infected. If this is the case, you will be put on antibiotics that will help clear out the infection.

The peak season for deer ticks and consequently deer tick bites is October through November.

During this time, try and avoid grassy surfaces. Make sure you are covered well when leaving the house. Shoes should completely cover your feet.

As with prevention of mosquito bites, prepare a deer tick repellent. Combine 8 oz of water with lavender, lemongrass, sage, or thyme essential oils and store in a spray bottle. One of the things that works well is vinegar.

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