Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?

Episode: Beware of ticks!

Leading: Dariusz Litera

Guest: Dr. Ewa Jarowicz, infectious disease specialist

Duration: 11 minutes

Ticks are a common threat not only during forest hikes but also in city parks and allotment gardens. Their bites raise many concerns, often exacerbated by unverified information available online. As a result, patients don't always know when to be concerned and when a calm observation is sufficient.

In this episode of the podcast "WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SAYS," Dr. Ewa Jarowicz, an infectious disease specialist, explains the real risks associated with tick bites, how to properly remove them, and when to see a doctor. The discussion is based on clinical practice and current medical recommendations.

Full podcast transcript

[00:00:00] Introduction

Dariusz Litera:

A single bite can radically impact our health. Ticks are a nuisance not only for nature lovers. Sometimes, during a simple walk in a city park, we can pick up these unwanted guests on our skin. Is every tick bite dangerous? Today, your doctor is infectious disease specialist Dr. Ewa Jarowicz. Welcome, doctor.

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

Good morning, hello everyone.

[00:00:22] Why should we protect ourselves from ticks?

Dariusz Litera:

First, a very basic question. Doctor, why should we properly protect ourselves from tick bites?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

This is because these arthropods carry a variety of pathogens that can later cause infectious diseases in our bodies. Diseases that we may struggle with for a long time if we don't detect them in time.

Dariusz Litera:

So you have to be careful.

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

You need to be attentive, but also very careful and patient. We shouldn't get overly nervous or assume that every prick is dangerous, because it isn't. We need to approach this calmly and listen to recommendations, not everything we find online.

[00:01:06] How to prevent tick bites?

Dariusz Litera:

Prevention is easier than cure. What's the most effective way to prevent tick bites?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

Light-colored clothing helps because ticks are more visible on them. Long sleeves and pants are also important. It's a good idea to tuck your pants into socks to limit access to your skin. Repellents are only a supplementary measure.

Observation is paramount. After returning from a walk—even in a city park or garden—you should carefully inspect your body, especially sensitive areas: behind the knees, under the arms, and on the back of the neck. The goal is to spot and remove the tick as soon as possible.

[00:02:24] Is there an effective method of protection?

Dariusz Litera:

Is there any proven way to prevent stings?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

There's no 100% effective method. If a tick is going to bite us, it can happen regardless of protection. Even with very tight clothing, we can't completely eliminate the risk.

[00:02:47] How to properly remove a tick?

Dariusz Litera:

How should we properly remove a tick?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

Do not apply any substances to the tick – oil, grease, or ointments. Do not cut off its access to air, as this may increase the risk of infection.

The key is quick removal. You can use tweezers, tweezers, special tools from the pharmacy, or simple home remedies. Effectiveness is key.

Grasp the tick at its base and pull it upward in one firm motion. The tool should be disinfected. In emergency situations, even a stiff card or appropriately cut cardboard can be used.

[00:04:48] Is it necessary to remove the entire tick?

Dariusz Litera:

Is it important to remove it completely?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

The most important thing is to remove the tick's body. If a small fragment remains, the body will usually handle it itself, treating it as a foreign body and removing it along with the shedding skin.

Don't panic or try to "pick out" the remnants as this could cause more damage to the skin.

[00:05:52] What to do after removing a tick?

Dariusz Litera:

What to do after removing it?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

The area should be washed with water, preferably soap, and then disinfected. You can use an alcohol-based or alcohol-free disinfectant.

If the wound is bleeding, you can apply a sterile dressing or plaster.

[00:06:32] Do you always have to go to the doctor?

Dariusz Litera:

Should everyone see a doctor after a sting?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

There's no need for this. We don't consult a doctor after every bite. There's also no indication for performing serological testing immediately after a bite.

The most important thing is to observe the puncture site and the patient's general condition.

[00:07:29] What symptoms should worry us?

Dariusz Litera:

What should we pay attention to during observation?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

The most common symptom of Lyme disease is erythema migrans. It appears at the site of the bite.

You don't need to check your skin every day—every few days is enough. Look out for redness or a skin lesion that's growing, may have different shapes, and may sometimes appear bright in the center.

In such a case, you should see a doctor who will assess the change and propose further treatment.

[00:08:51] How long should I observe the puncture site?

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

The bite site can be monitored for up to three months. Redness most often appears within a month of the bite, but later cases are possible.

In immunocompromised patients, the course may be atypical – additional skin lesions may appear in other parts of the body.

[00:10:02] Examples from clinical practice

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

Occasionally, a patient presents in winter with a typical rash, only to have a history of a sting several months earlier. This confirms the importance of long-term follow-up.

[00:10:34] Ending

Dariusz Litera:

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz, an infectious disease specialist, said this on the podcast "What Does Your Doctor Say?" Thank you very much, doctor.

Dr. Ewa Jarowicz:

Thank you very much.

Key takeaways for patients:

• Not every tick bite is dangerous, but it always requires observation.
• The most important action is to remove the tick quickly and correctly.
• Do not lubricate the tick or make it difficult for it to breathe.
• After removal, simply wash and disinfect the puncture site.
• There is no need to see a doctor after every sting
• Lyme disease tests are not performed immediately after a bite.
• The puncture site should be monitored for up to 3 months.
• A disturbing symptom is increasing skin redness.
• If skin changes occur, consult your doctor.

Information about participants:

Guest: Dr. Ewa Jarowicz, a physician and infectious disease specialist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and liver diseases. She has experience in the treatment of tick-borne diseases, viral hepatitis, as well as antiretroviral therapy and HIV prevention.

Presenter: Dariusz Litera, medical editor, health communications specialist, and creator of the podcast CO NA TO TWÓJ ELEKARZ. He has been involved in patient education for years, conducting interviews with specialists in various fields of medicine.

ATTENTION!

This material is for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation. If you experience any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor.