How to deal with Spider and Tick Bites on a Hiking Trip
Although hiking can bring you fun and excitement, this activity can also bring you discomfort. For one, you won’t have access to the comforts that your home could offer. Another probable cause of discomfort during hiking is a spider or tick bite. Don’t take spider and tick bites so lightly. Although not all spiders contain venom, some species may have venomous fangs. The black widow is one species that can cause a serious bite. Some tick bites can actually prove to be quite dangerous. One of the known disease ticks can cause is Lyme disease. Because of this, it is important that before you head off to the hiking camp, you are equipped with the knowledge on how to deal with spider and tick bites.
Avoiding spider and tick bites
Avoid picking up any spider when on a hiking trip. Also, try to avoid tall weeds. Prevention is better than cure. This is why as much as possible, you have to avoid being bitten by ticks. One of the things that you can do is to wear clothes that would cover your skin. If you wear pants, you have to tuck them inside your socks. You also have to tuck in your shirt. In this way, ticks won’t go to your skin. If you want to wear shorts, just make sure that you apply insect repellent lotion on your exposed skin. It is advisable to wear light-colored clothes, so you can easily see and remove ticks that cling to your clothes.
Dealing with spider and tick bites
You should treat a spider bite just like any cut. Make sure to clean the wound and apply some antibiotic ointment. If you think you’ve been bitten by a highly venomous spider, seek immediate medical attention.
If you think you have been bitten by a tick, you should ask someone to remove the tick from your skin using a tweezer. Make sure that the tick is completely removed from your skin. You then have to disinfect the infected area using water and soap. Remember that applying petroleum jelly or putting alcohol on the tick while it is still on your skin is not advisable.
Keeping these precautionary measures in mind when you go on a hiking trip is very important. Although a tick can be as small as the head of a needle, you should never underestimate it. Keep in mind that it pays to be very careful most of the time.
Photo Credit : NIOSH
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