What Are the Dangers of Deer Ticks in Humans?

Deer ticks carry with them many dangers. Aside from inflammation or infection, they're also known to carry various diseases. The best thing you can do to protect yourself if to prevent being exposed. Inspect yourself every night before going to sleep. Lyme disease is the best known disease transmitted by deer ticks, yet studies show the infection isn't spread until after the tick has settled for 36 to 48 hours.

Inflammation

• While the tick secretes fluids to prevent itchiness and pain where it bites you, it won't prevent the area from becoming inflamed.

Infection

• If left untreated the bite could become infected. While good hygiene will normally prevent such a predicament, conditions may not always allow for it. After removing a tick, always clean the wound with disinfectant.

Lyme Disease and Other Diseases

• Along with normal infection, more serious diseases are carried by ticks. Most notably is Lyme disease, which is present in the northern hemisphere. While treatable early on, neglect can lead to much more serious complications. Other dangers include ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tularemia and

  Colorado tick fever.

Treatment

• If you find you've already been bitten by a tick, remove it using a pair of tweezers, grasping it by the head and pulling gently but firmly. Make sure to wash the wound with disinfectant. If you notice a rash appear on your skin any time after, seek medical advice immediately. Many diseases carried by ticks are easily curable if caught early on.