How to Treat Deer Tick Bites Fast and Effectively

Deer ticks sometimes carry Lyme disease.

Ticks can spread diseases to humans and animals. The Deer tick is one of two tick species known to spread Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that causes serious illness in some individuals. Unfortunately, Deer ticks are small ticks, and you may not notice them right away. The moment you do, you should remove them immediately. The American Lyme Disease Foundation advises that infected Deer ticks start transmitting Lyme disease between 36 to 48 hours after attaching to the host.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Small glass or bowl
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibacterial soap
• Magnifying glass

Instructions

1. Grasp the Deer tick, using thin-pointed tweezers, as close as possible to the tick head. Draw the tick gently out of the skin.

2. Discard the tick in a small glass or bowl of rubbing alcohol. Check the bite wound with a magnifying glass to make sure you've removed the tick's head. If you see tick parts remaining in the wound, stop and seek medical help for removal of the tick parts.

3. Wash the bite and the surrounding area with antibacterial soap. Rub antibiotic cream or ointment on the bite.

4. Keep the bite uncovered and observe the bite site for a rash. Some infected with Lyme disease develop a bullseye rash around the bite site within a few days to a month after being bitten by a Deer tick.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect you have contracted Lyme disease, speak to your physician.

References

• American Lyme Disease Foundation: Lyme Disease
• The Oklahoma Poison Control Center: First Aid For Tick Bites
• Illinois Department of Public Health: Lyme Disease