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Infection risk What is important to note in case of a tick bite?
As temperatures rise, ticks become more active again. The little animals lurk everywhere in nature and wait for a suitable host. Those who are not adequately protected in the corresponding areas by long clothing can therefore be bitten by the bloodsuckers quickly. This brings dangers, because the bite disease can be transmitted as Lyme disease. Accordingly, it is important to protect yourself and to respond immediately to a tick bite.
The bloodsuckers wait in tall grass and under leaves
When it gets warmer in the spring, the high season of the ticks begins. Because the warmer it is, the more active the little bloodsuckers become, and starting at a temperature of about eight degrees Celsius they start looking for a suitable host. Unlike often thought, however, the animals do not fall off trees. Instead, they mainly stay in forests, tall grass, bushes or damp leaves and climb from below on animals or humans or are stripped. Then they look for an easily accessible place on the body and drill their Stechrüssel into the skin of the victim.
In early summer temperatures ticks are particularly attacking. Therefore, it now depends on the right protection. (Image: stockWERK / fotolia.com) After the walk, it is best to search it thoroughly
Accordingly, anyone traveling in short gear in nature runs the risk of being "bitten" by a bloodsucker tick and should therefore take absolutely necessary precautions. Because ticks can transmit dangerous diseases if they are not removed as soon as possible. Accordingly, caution should be exercised and no risk taken. "My advice is to scan the body after every walk - especially in warm places, ticks are particularly appealing," explains Dr. med. Rainer Mainka in conversation with the "Augsburger Allgemeine". Minka is the head of the health department in the district of Donau-Ries, which is still considered a risk area for ticks. Especially carefully you should check skin folds such as the back of the knees, armpits, groin and genital area, the same applies to the neck and head.
Carefully pull out the tick with special pliers
If a tick bite is detected, fast action is required. The longer a tick has time to suck blood, the greater the risk that it will transmit pathogens. The animal should therefore be removed as soon as possible, using a tick tongs, snare or card. In order not to push out possible pathogens, it is important that the tick body is not crushed or injured. "It is best to put the removed animal on a white paper and check that the entire tick and head have been removed," says councellor Mainka.
Continue to observe the puncture site
After the removal, according to the expert, it is advisable to observe the puncture site for a few more days, as inflammation often becomes apparent only later. If a slowly spreading redness develops ("Wanderröte") a doctor should be consulted. In this case, there is a risk of so-called "Lyme disease", which is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Europe. The disease can be treated with antibiotics. If there is no therapy, in the case of emergency, for example, Nerve paralysis, joint or heart muscle inflammation.
In addition, a tick bite can cause the so-called "tick-borne encephalitis" (TBE). It is an inflammation of the brain and the meninges, which is caused by viruses and transmitted through the small blood suckers on humans. According to Mainka, however, there is a vaccine against this disease, with the costs usually being borne by the health insurances. On the other hand, you can not get vaccinated against Lyme disease, so it really only helps to provide sufficient protection and a thorough search after your stay in nature. "We should be careful and mindful when it comes to ticks. There is no reason to panic, "says the expert. According to this, there was a case of FSME in the risk area of the Donau-Ries district last year, and 47 people fell ill with Lyme disease last year.
Essential oils for natural defense
Those who want to brace themselves for a trip into nature, can use not only the appropriate clothing but also natural repellents, which are available in the form of sprays or lotions in the health food store. These contain e.g. essential oils of anise, lavender, rosemary or citronella, which are extremely unpleasant for the little animals and therefore they can keep well at a distance. In order to achieve effective protection here, however, the products must be applied again every hour. (No)