Be Wary of Ticks! Check Out How To Reduce Your Risk For Lyme Disease

How To Reduce Your Risk For Lyme Disease

Learn how to reduce your risk for Lyme disease.

As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to take you family on a hike. While it’s great family fun, it’s important to be vigilant of creepy crawlers. Ticks are commonly found on hiking trails, and they can lead to an outbreak of Lyme disease. Be sure to take precautions on your hike and check out these ways you can reduce your risk for Lyme disease.

Stay On The Beaten Path.

Ticks generally live in wooded, grassy areas. When going on a trek, be sure to avoid areas with lots of debris and brush. Stick to the path so that you can do your best to avoid any ticks.

Wear Long Pants.

You can work up a sweat out on your hike, so it may be tempting to wear shorts to stay cool. However, more exposed skin means there’s a greater risk of getting a tick. If you can wear long pants, be sure to wear them. You can even tuck them into your socks as an extra precaution.

Use Bug Spray.

Invest in a DEET bug repellent to keep ticks and other bugs at bay. Apply the bug spray before you venture out on your hike. Just remember to reapply the spray every few hours for it to be effective. The DEET spray can be applied to both clothes and skin so make sure you’re ready before you head out into the great outdoors. Just be sure not to spray your child’s hands, eye, or mouth so that they don’t ingest any bug spray.

Shower After Hiking.

After a long day of hiking, it’s a good idea to rinse off. Plus, a shower can help you check for bugs and help to wash away any creepy crawlers.

Check For Ticks.

Be sure to check your family and your pets for ticks. Be sure to check the entire body, but pay special attention to underarms, ears, belly buttons, knees, and head where ticks are most commonly found. Also, be sure to check your clothing. While they may not have bitten you yet, it’s possible that they’re lingering on your clothes.

Know The Symptoms.

Despite all your efforts, you still may get a tick or two. Be wary of the symptoms and stay vigilant. Look for a rash or fever. If you notice either symptom, be sure to call your doctor.

Make sure to put your family’s health first and reduce your risk for Lyme disease. Should your child need surgical medical attention, contact Pediatric Surgical Associates. Our Orange County pediatric surgeons are experts at protecting your kids’ health, and wellness!

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