Quick Answer
Wear protective clothing, apply insect repellent, and inspect your body frequently to minimize tick exposure when participating in outdoor sports. Ticks are often found in wooded, bushy, or grassy areas. Use a tick preventative on your clothing and gear.
Pre-Exposure Prevention
When heading outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin. Also, apply insect repellent that contains DEET (at least 20%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply it to clothing and gear as well, not just skin. Make sure to follow the product’s instructions for application and reapplication.
Post-Exposure Inspection
After spending time outdoors, inspect your body thoroughly, paying close attention to areas such as the armpits, groin, and scalp. Use a hand-held mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas. Remove any loose dirt and debris from your skin and clothing, then take a shower within two hours of returning indoors. This reduces the chance of tick-borne diseases.
Effective Tick Removal
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly and correctly. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull upwards with steady, even pressure until the tick is removed completely. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin, potentially leading to infection. After removal, clean the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.
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