Treatment of a tick bite
Treatment of a tick bite
A tick bite can have unpleasant consequences. Lyme disease is the best-known example of this. When a tick bite is detected (visible by the resulting ball or by the red circle), the tick should be removed immediately. This can prevent infection. Tick tweezers can be used to remove the tick. Make sure that the tick is not crushed. The tick should be removed in its entirety. After removing the tick, the area can be disinfected with alcohol. Do not use a disinfectant to remove it, as this will frighten the tick and cause it to spit out its stomach contents. In this way, the bacteria mix into the lymph and bloodstream.
What to do after the bite?
If the tick is removed within 24 hours of the bite, you should monitor the skin around the bite for three months. If a red circle appears or you experience other symptoms, go to your GP. If the tick has been on the skin for longer than 24 hours, consult your GP to determine whether treatment is necessary. The longer the tick is on the skin, the greater the chance that pathogens will be transmitted. Note the date the tick was discovered on the skin. For the correct treatment after removing the tick, a visit to your GP is recommended. He/she can prescribe a course of antibiotics. If the tick has not been completely removed, it is also a good idea to visit your GP.
From now on, protect yourself well against ticks
Would you like to protect yourself well against ticks and prevent tick bites from now on?
Then take a look at our tick-repellent clothing: