Health. How can you protect yourself against tick bites?

Contrary to popular belief, Lyme disease is not rare. More than 100,000 people are infected each year in France.

Even more worrying, around 20% of cases progress to “long Lyme,” a severe and persistent form of the disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat.

Faced with a potentially disabling situation, the only choice worth having is prevention.

Life-saving gestures

To enjoy summer activities with peace of mind, the France Lyme Association recommends several preventive measures:

• Wear covering, light-colored clothing
• Avoid risk areas (tall, dense grass)
• Use a suitable repellent
• Inspect your skin and clothing regularly
• Use a blanket (ideally light-colored) or a survival blanket to sit on the grass or have a picnic.

For garden owners, regular maintenance of green spaces is essential. It is recommended to mow frequently, prune trees, and keep woodpiles away from the house.

What to do in case of a bite?

If, despite these precautions, a tick manages to attach itself, it is crucial to act quickly and correctly:

• Remove the tick using a tick remover, without compressing it.
• Disinfect the sting area
• Watch for symptoms in the following weeks. The first sign of the disease may be a target-shaped skin lesion called erythema migrans. Other, less specific symptoms may appear: fatigue, pain, and fever. If this occurs, even if you don't remember being bitten, it's imperative to seek medical help promptly.

Source: France Lyme Association