Dr. Rx: Tick bites should be taken seriously
VCU School of Pharmacy faculty, alumni and students have provided the Dr. Rx column for Richmond’s Fifty Plus magazine since December 2009. We now share those columns on the SOP website, as well, for those who might not have seen the most recent issue.
Serving as Dr. Rx for June 2015 was Jessica Parker, a fourth-year Pharm.D. student. She earned her bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from VCU. Her focus areas are ambulatory care and pharmacy administration.
Q: I heard about a surge in people being bitten by ticks. With the nice weather, I enjoy being outdoors but want to avoid ticks. If I am bitten, what should I do?
A: The tall grass this time of year means more than just getting ready to fire up the lawn mower, it also means getting the word out about ticks. Warm weather causes ticks to become more active, and this can lead to the spread of tick-borne illnesses.
The majority of the time you will not suffer from one of these illnesses. However, after a bite occurs, it does deserve your attention for several weeks, just in case.
The first concern most tick bite victims have is how to remove the tick. To properly remove, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick firmly as close to the skin as possible, and slowly pull the tick away from the skin without twisting. Your goal is to remove the tick while keeping it fully intact. Leaving behind any remnants may cause itching and increase the risk for infection.
The next step, after the tick has been removed, is to wash the area gently with soap and water, or rubbing alcohol. Store the tick in an airtight container or zip-lock bag on the off chance that you do develop symptoms. Write the date on the bag and keep it in the freezer for about a month.
You should avoid home remedies, such as Vaseline, nail polish or heat for removing the tick. These methods are less effective and can increase the risk for infection.
Continue to monitor the site of the bite for up to 30 days. Look out for a rash or flu-like symptoms such as nausea, high fever and body aches. A Lyme disease rash can have a “bull’s-eye” appearance. Rocky Mountain spotted fever causes a pinpoint flat rash on the arms or legs. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away, as you might need antibiotics.
The best way to avoid tick bites is to prevent them. Avoid tick-infested areas, such as tall grasses, and walk in the center of mowed trails. Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, and tuck your pants legs into socks and boots.
When outdoors, check for ticks on yourself, children and pets every two to three hours and again upon returning inside. Before you go out, apply tick repellent to areas of the body and clothing that might come in contact with grass and brush. Repellents containing up to 50 percent DEET for adults or less than 30 percent for children aged 2 months and older are approved for use.
A repellent containing 0.5 percent permethrin may be applied to clothing but should not be used on skin. Follow directions carefully and do not overuse.
Remember: Always speak with a health care professional if you think you have been bitten by a tick. If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.
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