Ticks can attach to the skin while walking in nature.
If their saliva is infected with bacteria, they can transmit Lyme disease.
Doctor Vincent Valinducq explains to us how to remove a tick (as quickly as possible) in Bonjour! La Matinale TF1.
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With summer arriving, parasites make a comeback and among the terrors: the tick. Its bite can transmit Lyme disease. It is through its saliva, contaminated by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, that the tick inoculates this infectious disease. Doctor Vincent Valinducq explains to us how to react in the event of a tick attack in Bonjour! La Matinale TF1.
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22% of bites take place in private gardens
This type of parasitic mite lives in wooded and humid areas, but also in meadows and tall grass. We cross paths with them during walks. Most often, it is in the forest, in parks that we find these blood-sucking creatures, but it is entirely possible to find them at home, in your garden. In fact, 22% of bites take place in private gardens and 4% inside the home. You should know that not all ticks have saliva infected by the bacteria and the time during which they remain attached to the skin plays a role in the transmission of Lyme disease. So, as soon as you find a tick, you must act quickly.
How to remove a tick?
You should know that you should not apply anything to the skin, as this can cause the tick to regurgitate and therefore encourage the production of contaminated saliva. To remove the tick, it is essential to go to the pharmacy to obtain a tick remover. You must place the object around the tick, do a little traction then rotate to release the insect. Although the procedure is quite simple, you must operate with precision and be careful not to cut the tick, as the head can remain stuck under the skin. When this happens, you have to go to the pharmacist or doctor. Once the tick is removed, don’t forget to disinfect the skin.
When you are bitten by a tick, you may experience redness on the skin and itching within 24 hours. Don’t worry, it’s an allergic reaction, like with mosquito spots. On the other hand, if between the third and thirtieth day after the bite, you notice erythema migrans, that is to say a spot on the skin which tends to enlarge, you must consult a doctor. The latter will then prescribe antibiotics to stop the spread.
Precautions to take to avoid getting bitten?
There are repellents that repel ticks that can be purchased at pharmacies. It is also advisable to choose long clothing and, if possible, light colors so that you can check whether there are any ticks on your body. During a walk in the forest, we avoid going off the trails, and finally, we do not hesitate to examine ourselves as soon as we return home.
