Hikers with shorts on a trail who may get tick bites.

How Should You Treat a Tick Bite?

Many people talk about not letting their pets get tick bites. However, the conversations around people getting bit aren’t discussed as much. Some people may know measures of tick prevention that they can take but may not know what to do if a tick has bitten them. 

So, as the warmer seasons are here, you should know how to treat a tick bite. Here’s a guide on how you can get a tick bite and what to do if a tick has bitten you. This can help prevent Lyme disease and prepare you to enjoy the nice weather without worry. 

How Can You Get Bitten By a Tick?

Ticks are around all year, but people come across them more in the warmer seasons because they’re more likely to be outdoors. Many people who love to go hiking, camping, or golfing can come across ticks. 

If you’re going to be in a grassy or bushy area, you should take preventative measures so you don’t get bit. This can include treating your clothes in permethrin or even avoiding dense vegetation. 

Ticks can’t fly, so they will wait on tall strands of vegetation to attach to you as you walk by. They’ll then find a spot on your body to attach to, often in hard-to-see places. 

How to Treat Your Tick Bite

The first step is to remove the rick quickly and carefully from your skin. Many ticks have barbed feeding tubes that can make it hard to remove them. 

Then you should wash the bite site with soap to kill bacteria that may have been transferred. You can thoroughly clean the bite as it heals. 

Some other home care tips include:

  • Use a cold pack on the bite for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour.
  • Utilize over-the-counter medicines to treat any itching, redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Put calamine lotion on the skin may relieve some itching.

If you notice flu-like symptoms over the coming days, including fever, chills, headaches, or fatigue, you should consult your doctor for Lyme disease. 

Read More About Treating Tick Bites