Ticks

Ticks in Maine

A study from the University of Maine says 38.8 percent of deer ticks in the state carry Lyme disease. While the deer tick is the only species of tick in Maine that can pass the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, there are several other species of ticks found across the state, 15 different types of ticks to be exact. As for Lyme disease cases, in particular, Vermont has the unpleasant distinction of having the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the U.S., with Pennsylvania and Maine tying for second place.

So it was no wonder I might have freaked out just a little when I discovered a tick that had already embedded itself deep in my shoulder blade, only 2 legs were left sticking out and with no chance of easy removal. This prompted a trip to the emergency room as it was well after hours for any quick care facility. Knowing that something was busy burrowing deep under my skin was distracting me from any good night’s sleep to tortuously await a morning trip to quick care. I was given a blood test; however, the test may have been too soon to reveal anything substantial. So to err on the cautious side, I was given Azithromycin to combat any potential disease such as Lyme. I was asked if I wanted the tick to be surgically removed, but I was worried about a scar and the additional cost. It was already too late, the damage was done with this tick being in my body for several days. It took more than 3 weeks for the dark spot in the center of the large red circle to be finally absorbed. This was the first time that any tick had latched onto me, much less become embedded.

Growing up in Maine, we are taught to check ourselves after any walk outside, to wear light color clothing and to avoid high grass. And yet, a few steps across the lawn to check my mailbox resulted in 2 ticks climbing up my legs. It’s May in Maine, this is what we deal with on a daily basis. So for those new to the state, and for those who have been here a while, here is some information on what you should be doing in regards to ticks.

Maine CDC Recommendations for Tick Bites:

Remove the tick as promptly as possible. Tweezers or tick spoons are the preferred method to remove ticks quickly and safely.
Identify the tick if possible.
Monitor for symptoms for 30 days after a deer tick bite.
Sterilize your tweezers or spoon after each use

If you've been bitten by a tick, you should try to remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting a tick-borne infection, like Lyme disease. This is a bacterial infection that causes a pink or red circular rash to develop around the area of the bite. In my case, the discovery was made too late. The rash was present, although not a bulls eye.

How does a tick bite affect my body?

You might not even know you’ve been bitten by a tick. Most don’t cause pain or itching but some do. Some tick bites don’t cause disease. Sometimes you can remove the tick before it can pass on any germs.The infection that tick bites can give you may begin to cause symptoms.

Many of the conditions caused by ticks have common symptoms that include:

Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Headaches
Tiredness
Itchiness or irritation, but usually not right away
Skin rash

Expanding rashes that may look like a bulls-eye are the erythema migrans signal of Lyme disease. Some rashes can just look like small red or darker-colored blotches that can be difficult to see.

What does a tick bite look like of feel like?

It might be hard to tell if you have a tick bite until they have fed on your blood and become larger. That’s why it’s important to check yourself when you’ve been in places where ticks live.

What parts of the body are most likely to have a tick bite?

Ticks can get onto any part of your body, but they move to their preferred places, which is usually a place with soft skin and plenty of blood. For people, this means: Your scalp and neck. Between your legs. Legs, especially behind your knees. In your belly button. In your ears, or around them. Under your arms. Around your waist.

Your scalp and neck
Between your legs
Legs, especially behind your knees
In your belly button
In your ears, or around them
Under your arms
Around your waist

What should you do about a tick bite?

If you experience a tick bite, the best way to remove it is by taking the following steps:

Tug gently but firmly with blunt tweezers near the head of the tick at the level of your skin until it releases its hold on your skin.
Avoid crushing the tick's body or handling the tick with bare fingers as you could expose yourself to the bacteria in the tick.
Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not use kerosene, petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) or hot cigarette butts to remove the tick.
Do not squeeze the tick's body with your fingers or tweezers.

You should call your health care provider:

If you think that the tick has been attached to you for several hours or even a day.
If you see a rash developing at the site of the tick bite or other areas on your body.
If you begin to develop flu-like symptoms after a tick bite.
If you have pain or blistering.

How can I reduce my risk of getting a tick bite?

If you are planning an outdoor activity, especially those in a heavily wooded area, it is important to follow a few simple precautions to protect yourself from tick bites.

Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, with tightly woven fabric. This gives ticks less area to target and allows you to see ticks on your clothing. Make sure you tuck your pants into your socks, shoes, or boots so that ticks cannot easily get under your pant legs.
When traveling through the woods or grassy fields, stay near the center of the trails. At home, make sure that you mow your lawn regularly.
Use insect repellents with 20% or more of DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ) on exposed skin and clothing. Your clothes can also be treated with permethrin. You can purchase this product at most sporting goods stores. Always read product labels to be sure you use the product properly.
When returning from the outdoors, check for ticks. They may attach anywhere. Check your hair, body folds and inside your belly button, or behind your knees, along your beltline, between your legs, in or behind ears, underarms and your back.
Be sure to check your pets, too. You should discuss using tick prevention products for your pets with your veterinarian.
Check your clothes and gear for ticks and wash these items immediately. Placing them in a hot clothes dryer for 15 minutes will kill the ticks.
You should take a shower after you have been on hikes or working in your yard.

As careful as I always am, not only did I get bit by a tick, they were able to burrow deep inside my skin. Luckily, on the day my friend discovered the tick on my shoulder, I had been wearing a tank top that revealed a lot of skin, more so than one of my regular shirts or sweaters. I never saw the tick, nor felt it. Had I been wearing a different shirt, it might never have been detected. I am now using a hand held mirror to be more vigilant in checking for ticks. Don’t let this happen to you.