posted
Since I am getting a few new tickbites every year, I started to treat them with heat from an infrared lamp (besides other measures), hoping to kill some bacteria.
I cover the skin around the bite with strong aluminum foil which has a 2" hole in it and wait until the place of bite becomes so hot from the infrared light that I can't stand it any longer.
This is because I heard that BB are sensitive to heat. And maybe some other potential bacteria too?
Any opinions about a procedure like this?
Posts: 269 | From Germany | Registered: Jul 2009
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momindeep
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7618
posted
Sounds well thought out and inventive. It is true that heat, oxygen, abx kill bacteria.
Posts: 1512 | From Glenwood City WI | Registered: Jul 2005
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
Are you also on antibiotics?
I would not think that putting heat at the bite site would affect the bacteria that is circulating in your body.
Also, every tick bite brings the possibilty of multiple infections.
Where are you when you are getting bitten? Are you taking precautions? I think the best plan would be to minimize getting bitten.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
I'd be concerned that the heat at the bite site is increasing the circulation, thereby spreading [the possible] infection faster...?
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Treating a tick bite topically will have NO effect on the rest of the body. None. It's too late by the time that tick breaks the skin. Systemic action is needed, along with attending to the bite site.
If that heat lamp is so hot you can barely stand it, you could risk serious skin damage.
But the idea of LIGHT is good, just NOT HEAT.
I would NOT apply heat to any kind of vector bite, not at any stage. Heat can drive all that deeper.
Nor would do ice for the same reason, it can also increase circulation.
I'd treat topically with Tea Tree oil or similar essential oil diluted blend, never straight essential oil. Maybe a Colloidal Silver solution but those are hard to stay on the skin as they are so watery.
- and also treat systemically. Garlic &/or Allicin, and Olive Leaf Extract are good to have in our bodies all through summer. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Thanks to all who shared their thoughts here.
To answer a few points that came up:
Of course I never would heat my skin while a tick is still on. And I do have ABX. I do know the fact, that BB spreads fast from the place of tickbite. But still, the majority of bacteria might be in that spot in the beginning. (They are starting to do big trials here in Germany with azithromycin ointment as a first aid measure after tickbites - the positive effect of which is questionable in my eyes btw)
Also heating the skin might ease the spreading of bacteria but might as well increase the body defense. One never knows.
Treating systemically with Garlic/Allicin and Olive Leaf Extract all through summer is a good point.
What I am looking for is information about heat tolerance of possible bacteria like rickettsia, bartonella etc.
So far I could not find any except for BB who seems to have difficulties to survive at higher temperatures than 100 � Fahrenheit. At least they say so about in vitro cultures.
Posts: 269 | From Germany | Registered: Jul 2009
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