Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I found a tick attached to the back of my calf. I removed him perfectly intact using this method. It released almost immediately after I lifted it, though.

Anyway, I took a couple pictures. Here and here. That's a dime for size comparison. I figure somebody here will probably be able to easily tell me what kind it is.

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Also, should I watch out for anything or what? Any symptoms to worry about? I assume he attached today and was there for only a few hours. I'm not too worried, but I still hate stuff like this.

And while we're at it, does anybody have any suggestions for a paleo-friendly tick prevention solution? I definitely don't want to spray random chemicals on my clothes or something, but I also don't want to have to deal with this shit.

Thanks.

edited May 20 2011 at 17:25

Jack Mac
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asked May 20 2011 at 5:40

Anonymous Coward
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Can't help with the ID, but I just wanted to give props for great, clear pictures. Hope he's harmless. – Rose May 20 2011 at 6:06

What area of the country do you live in? – Matt May 20 2011 at 10:15

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Holy cow, what kind of camera did you use? Those are good shots! :-) I agree, looks like an american dog tick. If the tick was attached for less than 24 hours, and you removed it properly, there is typically not much to worry about. The proper way to remove is to grasp at the base, best w/ tweezers but fingernails work in a pinch, and slowly pull until the tick releases. Do not squeeze. Do not use anything like alcohol or a match. Those will cause the tick to regurgitate, in which case the 24 hour window is out. Don't pull so hard you leave the head in -- the tick should release. – Sean May 20 2011 at 12:37

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With the dog tick you should be safe from Lyme, but it can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (supposedly rare). I've had RMSF as well as STARI -- STARI was worse. And I'm very diligent about tick checks and removal! But it can still happen. More info on diseases: righthealth.com/topic/American_dog_tick Watch for any kind of significant rash, swelling, and feeling like a cold for flu is coming on. If you kept the tick you can take it to the doc to get a blood test on you and have the tick checked. CDC likes to track them. This is one case were antibiotics are worth it! – Sean May 20 2011 at 12:40

great photos!.. – Mark V May 20 2011 at 14:17

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LastingOne · Answer 1 · 2011-05-20 06:31:54Z UTC

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American Dog tick is my guess: ticks

I would love suggestions for prevention, because nothing makes me scream like a little girl more than ticks. YUCK!

answered May 20 2011 at 6:31

LastingOne
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Also wash the area it was attached to and treat it like any other bite (anti-itch cream, etc). Keep an eye out for infection (redness, swelling) as you will want to see a doctor if that happens, although it sounds like you are safe. That tick doesn't look engorged and was probably only stuck in your calf for a very brief amount of time (thankfully). – LastingOne May 20 2011 at 6:39

Brad · Answer 2 · 2011-05-20 11:32:10Z UTC

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It's a dog tick. The only real worry is discussed here along with symptoms, etc.

answered May 20 2011 at 11:32

Brad
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tartare · Answer 3 · 2011-05-20 11:41:26Z UTC

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap is a good tick deterrent. We figured this out after the fact, when backcountry camping in Southern Illinois. The ticks were all over me, not a one on my husband. He was using it, I was using something else. Later read online it was a good tick deterrent and some other experienced campers agreed. You can dilute it a lot with water and spray it on your shoes/gear too.

pamipoi · Answer 4 · 2011-05-20 14:43:08Z UTC

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If you have access to a good essential oil, after removal of the tick, apply 1 drop of lavender oil to the bite every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.

answered May 20 2011 at 14:43

pamipoi
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What kind of tick is this?

4 Answers