Nature is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.
These tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful bacteria that can spread disease to people.
Sadly, tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases reported each year, and far more going unreported.
There are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.
- Black-legged Ticks – known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks are brown in color and have a slender body.
Although the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can develop symptoms even after two or three months.
The bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
Initially, Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and pains.
The best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the warmer months.
In case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order to prevent infections.
These are some of the ways of safe removal.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull gently: Apply steady upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can still transmit disease.
- Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
If by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.
- Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
- Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
- Clean the area: Clean the area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.
How Indian Women Manage To Preserve Their Beauty Long After Their Youth
The lifestyle of Indian women is established at a young age. They have their own way of keeping their beauty natural and healthy, having learned it as kids. With their organic foods and positive beliefs, they are full of knowledge about natural beauty and what helps to bring out the best in the body to look youthful at any age.
Here at Bright Side, we learned how Indian women preserve their beauty long after their youth, and we’re rushing to share their secrets with all of you.
Their local food plays a big part in staying young.
Spices, which are prevalent in Indian cuisine, have several beneficial effects on our health, including anti-aging properties. Most specifically, chili peppers may decrease changes that happen in skin cells over time, while ginger may prevent age spots.
Certain natural ingredients help boost their skincare.
An important part of their skincare is turmeric, an anti-inflammatory that’s said to be beneficial for skin health and to help grant users a natural glow. It can also possibly help with psoriasis and acne scarring.
They believe beauty starts from the inside.
Stress can take a huge toll on the person’s aging process. Not only does it compromise our bodies from within, but also leaves marks on our faces in the form of wrinkles. One way of dealing with anxiety is meditation. India is one of the oldest countries that practice meditation, which may help women fight stress and, as a result, preserve their youth.
They use a lot of organic hair products.
Hair-oiling, or massaging oil into hair, is a traditional practice for women in India that typically starts when girls are very young. Different oils can be used, like coconut, sesame, or castor oil. The latter is especially helpful as it contains omega-6 fatty acids. Amla, an Indian gooseberry, is also used in the belief it treats hair loss.
Have you ever tried any of the above? Do you have any other beauty tricks of your own? Share them with us in the comments.
Please note: This article was updated in June 2021 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.
Preview photo credit Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images, Hindustan Times/Hindustan Times/Getty Images
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