Holiday Health OTC - Tick Bites

Question 1

What are the main features of tick bites?

Answer 1

Reduce risk:
- Walk on define path
- Wear long trousers/sleeves
- Check clothing
- Insect repellant (DEET)

Tick bite:
- Removed ASAP
- Grasp tick with fine tipped tweezers close to skin.
- Avoid squeezing or crushing
- Grasp tick as close to your skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly as mouthparts left in skin can cause skin infections.
- Clean skin with antiseptic / soap and water.

Question 2

What is Lyme disease?

Answer 2

Presenting with erythema migrans rash.

Complications: severe neurological symptoms, acrodermatitis chronic atrophans, Lyme arthritis, persistent non-specific symptoms sometimes called post tx (Lyme disease syndrome)

ABx tx

Question 3

What are the main features of tick borne Encephalitis?

Answer 3

Mild (Europe), Severe (Chinese/Japanese)
Vaccine: Ticovac
2nd/3rd = no symptoms
Symptoms start 7-28 days after bite:
- Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea (5 days)
- Gap (7-28 days): Headache, stiff neck, changes in mental state, dislike of bright lights, seizures.