Do those who are still taking antibiotics for Lyme not worry as much about getting rebitten by a Lyme tick? I did some yard work (removing weeds etc) yesterday and didn't use DEET on my clothes, although I was covered head to toe in clothing with only my face exposed. I now wish I had applied DEET on my clothes. What are my changes of getting re-infected? I thought that since I am still taking abx, I should be ok. What do you all think?
Always use an effective tick repellant when doing yard work. A new tick bite could give you new diseases that are not covered by the antibiotics you are currently taking. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc.
Plus, you must get into this habit anyway in preparation for the day when you complete your treatment.
My lyme doc suggests Avon Skin So Soft Mosquito, Flea, and Deer Tick Repellant Lotion. It is safe and non-toxic.
He also said to come into the house, put all your clothes in the dryer on High setting (to kill any ticks on them--they can't stand to be dried out, but they survive the washing machine with no problem) for 30 minutes, and jump into the shower immediately.
This way, you will brush off or notice any ticks on your body.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Remember that each tick carries different diseases. You may escape bartonella with one tick but get it with the next one. Some carry RMSF, ehrlichia, etc. ..so each tick presents its dangers.
I asked this one to my LLMD last week. He told me not to panic if I get bit again this year since I am on abx already.
He did say to be careful and he gave me a natural tick repellent that he suggests to all his patients (no deet) but told me to go and enjoy the things I always like (gardening).
Posted by deerose (Member # 27484) on :
see the sticky top of forum about tick bite prevention!
I got sick in one way from first bite(s) and got bit again and it is different. And I wasn't truly over all of the first yet... Please don't gamble with this! Isn't it enough of a nightmare?
so NO WAY would I be so casual about a potential tickbite becasue I was in treatment already or "on antibiotics". NO way!
Can be different combo of diseases and different strains.
Oh to be sure I am doing gardening. been out there at my slow pace already. I do it for my soul
but with pyrethrin treated pants and shirt and rynoskin socks, pants tucked in an Insectshield Buff for neck and head/hair cover a pyrethrin treated hat
Pyrethrin treats clothing and gear...not the skin by the way. and if I had the bucks i would have more.
DEET is better than nothing but not terribly effective with ticks so do not be lulled into security from bites using DEET.