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Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of rodents, rabbits, birds, deer, dogs, and people. A tick bite may cause redness, itching, and slight swelling at the site. Sometimes you may have no reaction where the tick bit you.

Ticks transmit disease when microbes in their saliva get into your skin and blood. There are over 800 species of ticks. But only two families of ticks, hard ticks and soft ticks, are known to transmit diseases to humans. Ticks often transmit a disease near the end of a meal. The hard ticks tend to attach and feed for hours to days. It may take hours before a hard tick transmits microbes. Soft ticks often feed for less than 1 hour and can transmit diseases quickly. The bites themselves aren’t cause for concern. But ticks can carry and pass on 12 different illnesses. These include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Symptoms of tick-related diseases vary depending on the disease. The most common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Chills
• Aches and pains such as headache, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and muscle aches
• Joint pain (with Lyme disease)
• Rash

How to remove a tick

Not all ticks carry disease. A tick attached to you anywhere from minutes to days may infect you, depending on the type of tick and the germs it carries. If you find a tick, don’t panic.

• Try to carefully remove the tick with tweezers.
• Grasp the tick near its head as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull without twisting and don’t crush the body.
• After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Put a live tick in alcohol, or in a sealed bag or container, or flush it down the toilet.

When to get medical care

If you can’t easily remove the tick or if you leave the head in your skin, get medical care right away.

Tick paralysis is a rare disease thought to be caused by a toxin in tick saliva. The symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Confusion
• Fever
• Numbness
• Headaches
• Rashes

If you or someone bitten by a tick has these symptoms, get medical care right away. Removing the tick stops the symptoms in about 24 hours.

If you have a rash or fever within a few weeks of removing a tick, see your healthcare provider. Tell the provider about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

• To prevent disease, you may be given antibiotics. Both Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever respond quickly to these medicines.
• You may be asked to see your healthcare provider for a blood test. This is to check for Lyme or another tick-related disease.

Follow-up care

Some states and counties have services that test ticks for Lyme disease and other diseases. Check with your local officials to see if this service is available in your area.

If you remove a tick yourself, watch for signs of a tick-borne illness. Symptoms may show up in a few days or weeks after a bite. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Rash. This may spread outward in a ring from a hard, white lump. Or it may move up your arms and legs to your chest.
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches, joint swelling, and pain
• Severe headache

Animal bite injuries range from shallow cuts to deep, life-threatening wounds. An animal can cut or puncture the skin when it bites. Your skin may be torn from your body. Your skin may swell or bruise even if the bite does not break the skin. Animal bites occur more often on the hands, arms, legs, and face. Bites from dogs and cats are the most common injuries.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have a fever.
• Your wound is red, swollen, and draining pus.
• You see red streaks on the skin around the wound.
• You can no longer move the bitten area.
• Your heartbeat and breathing are much faster than usual.
• You feel dizzy and confused.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your pain does not get better, even after you take pain medicine.
• You have nightmares or flashbacks about the animal bite.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask how to take this medicine safely.
• A tetanus vaccine may be needed to prevent tetanus. Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial infection that affects the nerves and muscles. The bacteria can be spread through animal bites.
• A rabies vaccine may be needed to prevent rabies. Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection. The virus can be spread through animal bites.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him of her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your healthcare provider in 1 to 2 days:

You may need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Self-care:

• Apply antibiotic ointment as directed. This helps prevent infection in minor skin wounds. It is available without a doctor’s order.
• Keep the wound clean and covered. Wash the wound every day with soap and water or germ-killing cleanser. Ask your healthcare provider about the kinds of bandages to use.
• Apply ice on your wound. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
• Elevate the wound area. Raise your wound above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your wound on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.

Prevent another animal bite:

• Learn to recognize the signs of a scared or angry pet. Avoid quick, sudden movements.
• Do not step between animals that are fighting.
• Do not leave a pet alone with a young child.
• Do not disturb an animal while it eats, sleeps, or cares for its young.
• Do not approach an animal you do not know, especially one that is tied up or caged.
• Stay away from animals that seem sick or act strangely.
• Do not feed or capture wild animals.

The biggest danger from a human bite is that it might get infected. Usually the wound will not be stitched. Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal and reduce your chance of infection. Your doctor may give you antibiotics to prevent infection and a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last 5 years or do not know when you had your last one.

Your wound may heal in less than a week, or it may take longer, depending on how bad it is. The larger it is, the longer it will take to heal.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the wound with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Your wound may itch or feel irritated. A little redness and swelling are normal. Do not scratch or rub the wound.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• The skin near the bite turns cold or pale or it changes colour.
• You lose feeling in the area near the bite, or it feels numb or tingly.
• You have trouble moving a limb near the bite.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness near the wound.
  • Red streaks leading from the wound.
  • Pus draining from the wound.
  • A fever.
• Blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
• Your pain is getting worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you are not getting better as expected.

Your Care Instructions

After being bitten by a brown recluse spider, you may have red skin and a blister where you were bitten. You may also have intense pain and itching around the bite. This may last a few hours.

In some cases, an open sore or black skin can appear around the bite. This can happen a week or more after you were bitten. This is a serious problem that needs medical attention.

Brown recluses are found most often in the south-central part of the United States. They live in hot, dry, abandoned areas, such as wood or rock piles. They can also be found indoors in dark closets, shoes, or attics. Brown recluse spiders are not found in Canada.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), to calm the itching and reduce the swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the bite for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• If the bite is on your arm or leg, prop up the sore limb on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the bite area with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the bite with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You get an open sore or black skin at the bite area.
• You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have new symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or a headache.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

• You have new or worse pain at the bite area.
• You do not get better as expected.

A cat bite can cause a wound deep enough to break the skin. In such cases, the wound is cleaned and then sometimes closed. If the wound is closed it is usually not closed completely. This is so that fluid can drain if the wound becomes infected. Often the wound is left open to heal. In addition to wound care, a tetanus shot may be given, if needed.

Home care

• Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after caring for the wound. This helps lower the risk of infection.
• Care for the wound as directed. If a dressing was applied to the wound, be sure to change it as directed.
• If the wound bleeds, place a clean, soft cloth on the wound. Then firmly apply pressure until the bleeding stops. This may take up to 5 minutes. Don’t release the pressure and look at the wound during this time.
• Always get medical attention for cat bites on the hand. They are highly likely to become infected.
• Most wounds heal within 10 days. But an infection can occur even with proper treatment. So be sure to check the wound daily for signs of infection (see below).
• Antibiotics may be prescribed. These help prevent or treat infection. If you’re given antibiotics, take them as directed. Also be sure to complete the medicines.

Rabies prevention

Rabies is a virus that can be carried in certain animals. These can include domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Pets fully vaccinated against rabies (2 shots) are at very low risk of infection. But because human rabies is almost always fatal, any biting pet should be confined for 10 days as an extra precaution. In general, if there is a risk for rabies, the following steps may need to be taken:

• If someone’s pet cat has bitten you, it should be kept in a secure area for the next 10 days to watch for signs of illness. If the pet owner won’t allow this, contact your local animal control center. If the cat becomes ill or dies during that time, contact your local animal control center at once so the animal may be tested for rabies. If the cat stays healthy for the next 10 days, there is no danger of rabies in the animal or you.
• If a stray cat bit you, contact your local animal control center. They can give information on capture, quarantine, and animal rabies testing.
• If you can’t find the animal that bit you in the next 2 days, and if rabies exists in your area, you may need to receive the rabies vaccine series. Call your healthcare provider right away. Or return to the emergency department promptly.
• All animal bites should be reported to the local animal control center. If you were not given a form to fill out, you can report this yourself.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Signs of infection:
  • Spreading redness or warmth from the wound
  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
  • Colored fluid or pus draining from the wound
  • Enlarged lymph nodes above the area that was bitten, such as lymph nodes in the armpit if you were bitten on the hand or arm. This may be a sign of cat-scratch disease (cat-scratch fever).
• Signs of rabies infection:
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Strange behavior
  • Increased salivating or drooling
  • Seizure
• Decreased ability to move any body part near the bite area
• Bleeding that can’t be stopped after 5 minutes of firm pressure

You’ve probably heard about Braxton-Hicks contractions and are wondering how you will be able to tell Braxton-Hicks contractions (or what some people call “false labor”) from the real thing.

The first—and most important—thing you should know is that it is essential to play it safe and not try to make a diagnosis yourself. If you’re experiencing what you believe to be more than four contractions in an hour, or you have any other signs of labor, call your caregiver immediately.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Braxton-Hicks Contractions

1. What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?

Braxton-Hicks contractions are sporadic uterine contractions that can start about six weeks into your pregnancy, although you won’t be able to feel them that early. They are one of your body’s ways of preparing for birth. You probably won’t start to notice them until sometime after mid-pregnancy, if you notice them at all. They get their name from John Braxton Hicks, who in 1872, was able to officially recognize the difference between false contraction and real contractions.

2. What do they feel like?

During Braxton-Hicks contractions, you’ll feel the muscles of your uterus tighten for 30 to 60 seconds before they relax. Sometimes, the contractions can last up to two minutes. Unlike “real” contractions, Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually unpredictable, non-rhythmic and lack intensity and frequency. The sensation is more uncomfortable than painful. If the contractions you experience intensify or become more frequent you may be experiencing real labor.

To determine if you are having preterm contractions or “real” labor watch for these signs:

• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping
• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting
• An increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge—if it becomes watery, mucusy, or bloody (even if it’s only pink or blood-tinged)
• More pressure in the pelvic area (a feeling that your baby’s pushing down)
• Low back pain, especially if it’s dull or rhythmic, or you didn’t previously have back pain

3. Why do Braxton-Hicks contractions occur?

Although scientists and physicians still don’t know exactly why Braxton-Hicks contractions occur, many suspect that their purpose is to tone muscles in the uterus to prepare for birth and promote blood flow to the placenta. Some even think that these false contractions may play a role in softening the cervix prior to labor.

4. What triggers Braxton-Hicks contractions?

Braxton-Hicks contractions may occur randomly, or they may start up when either you or your baby is being physically active. One of the most common reasons for Braxton-Hicks contractions is dehydration. Other triggers may include someone touching your stomach, having a full bladder or having sexual intercourse.

5. How can I alleviate Braxton-Hicks contractions?

You can try to alleviate Braxton-Hicks contractions by:

• Drinking a few glasses of water
• Taking a warm bath for no more than 30 minutes
• Drinking a warm glass of milk or herbal tea
• Changing your body position—for example if you’re lying down, get up and walk around, or lie down if you’ve just spent time being physically active

We are dedicated to providing you with the information, individual care and attention you need so that you can relax and focus on what is most important—the birth of your baby.

Your Care Instructions

A lipoma is a growth of fat just below the skin. It may feel soft and rubbery. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body. But they are most common on the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits. A lipoma does not turn into cancer.

Lipomas usually are not treated, because most of them don’t hurt or cause problems. But your doctor may remove a lipoma if it is painful, gets infected, or bothers you.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• A lipoma usually needs no care at home unless your doctor made a cut (incision) to remove it.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your incision, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash around the incision with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. These can slow healing.
  • You may cover the incision with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the lipoma.
  • Pus draining from the lipoma.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

• The lipoma is growing or changing.
• You do not get better as expected.

Your Care Instructions

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) that causes your voice to become raspy or hoarse. It can be short-lived or long-lasting. Most of the time, laryngitis comes on quickly and lasts as long as 2 weeks. It is caused by overuse, irritation, or infection of the vocal cords inside the larynx.

Some of the most common causes are a cold, influenza (flu), or allergies. Loud talking, shouting, cheering, or singing also can cause laryngitis. Stomach acid that backs up into the throat also can make you lose your voice.

Resting your voice and taking other steps at home can help you get your voice back.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow your doctor’s directions for treating the condition that caused you to lose your voice. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Before you use cough and cold medicines, check the label. They may not be safe for children younger than age 6 or for people with certain health problems.
• Try to keep stomach acid from backing up into your throat. Do not eat just before bedtime. Reduce the amount of coffee and alcohol you drink, and eat healthy foods. Taking over-the-counter acid reducers can help when these steps are not enough. In some cases, you may need prescription medicine.
• Rest your voice. You do not have to stop speaking, but use your voice as little as possible. Speak softly but do not whisper; whispering can bother your larynx more than speaking softly. Avoid talking on the telephone or trying to speak loudly.
• Try not to clear your throat. This can cause more irritation of your larynx. Take an over-the-counter cough suppressant (if your doctor recommends it) if you have a dry cough that does not produce mucus.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to your bedroom. Humidity helps to thin the mucus in the nasal membranes that causes stuffiness or post-nasal drip. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Drink plenty of fluids, enough so that your urine is light yellow or clear like water. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and wash out mucus and bacteria. You can buy saline nose drops at a grocery store or drugstore. Or, you can make your own at home by mixing ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup water (at room temperature), and ½ teaspoon baking soda. If you make your own, fill a bulb syringe with the solution, insert the tip into your nostril, and squeeze gently. Blow your nose.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have trouble breathing.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse pain.
• You have trouble swallowing.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

• You do not get better as expected

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They help the body fight germs and infections. Lymphadenitis is a swelling of a lymph node. It can be caused by an infection or other condition.

The infection is most often in a nearby part of the body. A common example is the lumps on both sides of your neck under the jaw that get tender and bigger when you have a cold or sore throat. Sometimes the lymph node itself may be infected.

Usually the swollen lymph nodes go back to normal size without a problem. Treatment, if needed, focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics. This should bring the node back to normal size. An infection caused by a virus often goes away on its own. In rare cases, a badly infected node may need to be drained by your doctor.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• If you have pain, try a warm compress. Soak a towel or face cloth in warm water. Wring it out, and place it on the affected skin.
• Do not squeeze, drain, or puncture a painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your lymph nodes get bigger.
• The area becomes red and feels more tender.
• You have a fever that does not go away.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

• You do not get better as expected.

The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system. It helps fight against infection and inflammation. It consists of lymph glands (lymph nodes) throughout the body. Lymph channels carry lymph fluid from parts of the body to nearby lymph glands to be filtered.

Lymphangitis is an inflammation of lymph channels. It is caused by infected lymph fluid traveling from a site of infection. Symptoms are tender red streaks on the skin near the area of infection.

The condition can become very serious if not treated. The infection is treated with antibiotics or other medicines that treat the infection. If an abscess is present, it may be drained. When the site of infection is treated, the lymphangitis goes away.

Home care

• Take all medicine to treat the infection exactly as prescribed until it is gone. Be very careful not to miss any doses. Don’t stop taking the medicine until it is finished or your healthcare provider tells you to stop, even if you feel better.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines.
• Make a warm compress by running hot water over a face cloth. Apply it to the sore area until the compress cools off. Repeat 3 times a day for the first 3 days. The heat will increase the blood flow to the area and speed the healing process. As an alternative, you can stand in the shower and direct the warm spray to the area.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider if any of the following occur:

• Increasing areas of redness or pain at the site of infection
• Red streaks continue to grow
• Pus or fluid draining from the lymph node
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider.