Did you think the ticks were only getting caught in the woods? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, confirms this: this time is over. From now on, these parasites are also invited in urban areas. And their progression is far from harmless.
Why do ticks arrive in town?
“”We observe a clear increase in their presence in the city and on the outskirts“Confirms the emergency artist. A phenomenon which is largely explained by three elements.
“First, the longer and humid summers linked to global warming promote their life cycle. Then, the fragmentation of the forests, caused by urbanization, multiplies the contact areas with hosts such as rodents, ideal vectors for ticks. Finally, urban, wooded parks, hedges and high herbs create perfect refuges, sometimes just at the foot of our buildings”.
The observation is clear: according to INRAE, 30 % of tick stings take place in private gardens. In other words, without leaving home.
How to reduce risks before and after an outing?
Before any risk area, the choice of clothes is a first essential barrier. Dr. Kierzek recommends wearing long pants and ideally entered in the socks. The sleeves must also be long and the shoes closed.
To better identify any ticks, favoring light fabrics is also advised. Finally, “There are also natural anti-nipple sprays based on essential oils, such as lavender or lemon eucalyptus“. To test first on a small skin area to avoid any reaction.
During walking, it is better to avoid brush, embankments and high herbs areas, remaining in the middle of the paths.
Once back home, the reflex to adopt is a meticulous inspection. “”The folds of the skin, the armpits, the scalp or the back of the ears must be examined. Passing in the quick shower may be enough to remove ticks that have not yet set themselves. As for the clothes worn, a washing at 60 ° C is recommended: ticks, often invisible to the naked eye, quickly succumb to it“.
In the event of a bite, act quickly but correctly
If at that time, a tick is spotted on the skin, it must be removed immediately. To do this, Dr. Kierzek recommends the use of a ticklet, easily found in pharmacies.
“It is then necessary to grab the tick as close as possible to the skin and turn gently in the opposite direction of the needles of a watch. Above all, never pull suddenly or use the fingers, at the risk of leaving the rostrum (the part in the skin) and cause an infection”.
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In addition, pay attention to the products used. “Never use ether, oil or alcohol heated on a tick still hung” insists the doctor.
Indeed, these traditional methods promote the regurgitation of the saliva of tick in the skin, which increases the risk of transmission of pathogens. Once the tick is extracted, it is imperative to disinfect the stung area, with modified alcohol or an antiseptic like betadine.
During the 30 days following the bite, finally, you must remain attentive to several signs. “”The appearance of a red halo which extends (migrant erythema), fever, unusual fatigue or joint pain should alert. These symptoms can report Lyme disease, which requires rapid consultation and suitable antibiotic treatment “ concludes our expert.
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Migrant erythema