Tiny Ticks, Big Trouble
While we’re out enjoying the sunshine, ticks are out hunting too—and they’re not just a nuisance. Some carry Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can sneak up on you and cause serious long-term issues if not caught early. My cousins, brother, and I useD to run around in 'tick country' when we were kids. This information was Ingrained into us at an early age!
🌿 What to Know:
• Ticks are most active in warm months—May through September
• You don’t have to hike a forest trail to get bitten—backyards, parks, and even golf courses can be risky
• Lyme disease symptoms may not appear immediately, and early signs can look like the flu
⭐ What to Watch For:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Bullseye rash (only shows up in ~70-80% of cases)
🕵️ How to Check for Ticks After Outdoor Time:
Ticks love to hide in warm, dark places. After being outside—especially in grassy, wooded, or brushy areas—do a full-body check. Here’s where to look:
🔎 Scalp and hairline
🔎 Behind ears
🔎 Underarms
🔎 Inside belly button
🔎 Waistline
🔎 Behind knees
🔎 Between legs and groin area
🔎 Around ankles and sock lines
Shower soon after being outside—it helps wash off unattached ticks and gives you a perfect chance to check head to toe.
👀 Use a mirror or have a partner check places you can’t easily see. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so take your time. ~Thanks Mom~
🛠️ Found a Tick? Here’s How to Remove It Safely:
If you spot a tick latched on, don’t panic—just act fast and do it right:
Use fine-tipped tweezers
Grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward slowly and steadily
No twisting or jerking—this helps avoid leaving parts behind.
Clean the bite area
Use rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.
Don’t crush the tick with your fingers
Drop it in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag, or flush it.
📸 Pro tip: Snap a photo before disposing in case symptoms develop later.
🧾 Optional: Save the tick in a container for possible identification or testing.
🩺 What to Do:
If you’ve been bitten or feel “off” after outdoor time, call your provider. Early treatment with antibiotics can make all the difference.
Final Note:
Ticks may be tiny, but they pack a punch. Prevention is your best protection—bug spray, long sleeves, and tick checks after outdoor time.
Cheers!
Dr. T