What to Do The Moment You Discover a Tick on Your Body

Hint: Don’t panic. Plus, the best way to remove a tick.

In 2018, nearly 60,000 cases of tick-borne disease were reported to the CDC by state health departments and the District of Columbia. However, if you know how to remove a tick from your skin, getting Lyme disease isn’t inevitable.

While a little bug bite might not seem like much, if Lyme disease progresses, it can be very dangerous. A telltale bullseye rash or a solid red rash at the site of the tick bite often characterizes the early stages of Lyme disease. Other early symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and other general feelings of achiness.

As the disease progresses, additional rashes, headaches, and body aches can occur, as well as symptoms that mirror Bell’s Palsy. Fever, fatigue, and changes in vision can also happen. Late stage Lyme disease is characterized by arthritis and disabling neurological disorders.

Lyme disease starts with a tick bite. So, it’s important to be prepared if there is a possibility of exposure. However, it is also essential to remember, even if you remove the tick, you can still develop Lyme. You may also get bitten and not even realize it.

Read the full article by Amanda Lauren on Real Simple's website here.