ANNOUNCER:
It’s also important to stick to trails and avoid overgrown brush. In some cases people may want to consider using a repellant that contains DEET.
Jeffrey A. Morrison, MD, Internist :
If a person was going on a very long hike or doing camping trips for an extended period of time, it would be a good idea to apply DEET to shoes, socks and the bottoms of clothing. The most important thing is, after a person comes in from hiking, then they do a very thorough check of their skin to make sure that there are no ticks attached.
ANNOUNCER:
If you find a tick on your body, doctor Morrison recommends removing it carefully with a fine tipped tweezer.
Jeffrey A. Morrison, MD, Internist :
It's important to take the tick directly at the head where it bites -- where it is attached to the body and gently pull directly out. It's not a good idea to burn it or use chemicals, suffocating it does not work, petroleum jelly does not work.
ANNOUNCER:
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, you may want to bring the tick in to your doctor to have it tested. You should also see your doctor if you develop a rash where you were bitten. Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.
