From Dr. Dan Levy:

Ticks are insects that are attracted to warm-blooded animals, and feed by attaching themselves to the skin of an animal or human host. Typically, the tick injects a bit of saliva into the wound, which helps draw blood into its body. Since the tick attaches to the skin, the best means for removal is the use of a tweezer, with gentle, gradual traction on the head of the tick until it's wholly removed. If a tweezer isn't available, use a tissue and grasp the tick with the fingernails. Clean the area with alcohol or peroxide.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the tiny deer tick, which is about the size of the head of a pin. It is known that the Lyme bacteria is injected into the host as the tick withdraws blood. If the tick is attached less than 24-36 hours there is little likelihood of infection.

Symptoms of Lyme often appear within days to several weeks of the bite. Common symptons include fever, headache, joint pain, and a round, slightly raised, red rash with a clear center known as a target lesion. If Lyme is suspected in a child, a blood test called a Lyme titer is done, but the child is generally treated because lab tests can be unreliable.

There is no acceptable vaccine for Lyme Disease, and kids should not be routinely tested for Lyme.

Dan Levy

In our family of five, two of us have had Lyme disease. Needless to say, now I am really concerned. I have considered having the yard treated, but I am concerned about how toxic the chemicals may be.

Obviously, I keep an eye out for ticks, but in both cases, I never saw one. When I got it, I had the bullseye rash. When my daughter got it, there were no symptoms until she had a swollen knee. I'd love to know if other people are considering whole yard treatments and if that is a safe option.

I am surprised that this article doesn't mention using permethrin for tick protection. Many highly regarded health organizations recommend permethrin-treated clothing for insect protection... including the CDC, the FDA, the World Health Organization, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The Web sites of most of these organizations also feature information about the availability of clothing pre-treated with permethrin.

Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is EPA-registered clothing that has been factory treated with permethrin. Insect Shield technology provides effective protection from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, chiggers, and midges through 70 washings, which is much longer-lasting than do-it-yourself permethrin treatments. Effectiveness through 70 washes makes Insect Shield-treated products remarkably cost effective. And, wearing permethrin-treated apparel reduces the need for skin-applied repellents, which is another money-saving feature. Some people hesitate to use topical repellents like DEET, especially on children. The EPA has placed no limitations on the use of Insect Shield apparel. It can be worn by everyone, including children and pregnant women.

I hope that you will consider sharing this information with your readers.

Gail Howell, Marketing Coordinator, Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, Greensboro, NC (336) 272-4157