04/20/2024
Greetings! With warmer spring weather… this is a reminder that tick season is upon us!! In Jackson we see primarily the larger wood or dog ticks. The good news is these don’t carry Lyme disease. But local ticks can carry other infections including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and others. We recommend wearing long pants and socks, especially if you are bushwhacking through the sage brush. And do a good skin inspection when you get home to see if you have any unwanted hitchhikers! We also strongly recommend permethrin spray for your clothing. This is sold under the brand name “Sawyer” and is available from outdoor retailers. You can great your socks and pants, let it try on the clothing, and it will make your clothing into tick and mosquito repellant for at least a few washes. This is more effective and safer than DEET mosquito repellants that are applied to your skin. If you do have a tick embedded in your skin, try and remove it by grasping the head with a fine pair of tweezers and pulling gently by the head. Don’t squeeze the body If possible, and try not to leave the head in the skin. Do NOT try and burn it out with a match! That doesn’t work, and you will just end up with a burn. Or come by Urgent Care next to Smiths and we are happy to remove it for you! Dr. Little
