Tick - Borne Illness

Ticks burrow into the skin & may remain attached for up to 5 days feeding on animal or human blood, injecting toxins that cause local irritation.

Some tick bites cause minimal symptoms, while others may cause severe allergic reactions or serious illness. The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is one species found in Australia (identified by its dark front & rear legs, with contrasting pale middle legs), with potentially harmful consequences.

Common symptoms of tick bite include redness, itching & swelling around the bite. Symptoms may intensify even after the tick has been removed.

More serious symptoms that may present after several days following a tick bite include: rashes, headaches, fever, flu-like symptoms, tender lymph nodes, dizziness, intolerance to bright lights & weakness.

Allergic reactions to tick bites range from mild, to severe life-threatening anaphylaxis in susceptible individuals. Breathing difficulties, swollen throat or tongue, dizziness or collapse, pale & floppy, especially in young children all require urgent medical attention.

In addition to allergic reactions, ticks can also transmit infections & cause ongoing illness such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome (aka Mammalian Meat Allergy), triggering a reaction after consuming mammalian meat or derivatives following a tick bite. Lyme disease is another possibility, however it is not well recognised in Australia. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, sore muscles & joints, along with the characteristic "bulls eye" skin rash and migranes in some cases.

Safe Removal of Ticks

If you have a tick, it is best to freeze it with an ethercontaining aerosol like Tick Tox or an ice block. Wait for 10 minutes for the jaw to release & the tick to drop off, then gently brush the tick away & apply antiseptic to the site. Seek medical assistance with any concerning symptoms or if a ring appears around the bite site. Never squeeze, twist or forcibly remove ticks with tweezers as this increases the likelihood of the tick injecting more toxin. The use of alcohol, oil or a lighted match are not recommended as this may result in the tick burrowing deeper.

Homeopathy is a healing modality utilising energetic potentised remedies that may stimulate a healing response when using the correct remedy, dose & frequency. Homeopathics are very safe for use in adults, children & animals and are usually available in pillules or drops. Ixodes 30C is a homeopathic remedy commonly prescribed for tick bites and / or as a preventative if you are concerned.

Preventative dose: once a week during tick season.

Symptomatic dose: dissolve 1-2 pillules or drops under the tongue. Avoid consuming anything for 10 minutes after taking the remedy to maximise effectiveness. Repeat the remedy 3-4 times per day, or every few hours if required. Homeopathics are traditionally taken until the symptoms resolve. Homeopathics are best stored in a cool, dark, dry place preferably away from direct sunlight, heat, aromatics, chemicals, electromagnetic fields & electronic devices.

Botanical medicines with anti-inflammatory, blood cleansing, lymphatic, immune boosting, wound healing properties that aid clearance of the toxin along with zinc & vitamin C may also help improve recovery.

Great additions to your first aid kit include:

• Ether-containing aerosol spray

• Homeopathic Ixodes 30C

• Insect repellent

• Antiseptic cream