Skip to main content

Careful Trekking

Although the rain puts a damper on our outdoor plans, it has cooled things off for us in East Tennessee. That makes for perfect camping weather once everything dries. However, adventures in the great outdoors come with certain annoyances such as ticks.

Ticks are small arachnids that can latch onto your skin after contact in a wooded or grassy area. Ticks don’t jump or fly, so they can only reach out with their legs to select a host. They bite into your skin and feed on blood. As they feed, they grow in size and become easier to spot. However, you’d rather discover them sooner than later because some of them carry harmful and dangerous diseases. Always check yourself for ticks after you have been outside, especially in the mountains. Don’t forget to check your scalp, neck and legs!

The best method of removal is to use tweezers to grasp the tick securely. Be sure to get as close to the skin as possible and pull upward. If you find yourself with a tick and are uncomfortable performing this procedure, call one of our offices to schedule a visit!

If you have any questions about tick bites or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Camping and Hiking Precautions

Have you been out hiking or camping yet? The rain has helped keep things cooler, but it’s summer in East Tennessee and we all want to get out in nature! We’re ready to hit the trails, but let’s talk about something real quick – ticks.

You know you should worry about ticks, but you’d rather worry about the hike, right? Well, a few preventative measures will help the hike be worry-free and tick-free. For starters, wear long sleeves and long pants, with pants tucked into socks so ticks can’t easily slip onto your skin. Also if you wear lighter-colored clothing, it’ll be easier to spot ticks. Spray exposed skin and even your clothing with insect repellant. And upon returning home, immediately remove clothes and thoroughly inspect your skin, including your scalp.

Taking these precautions won’t eliminate the chance of ticks latching on, but they will help you hike with a little less stress. If you do find a tick on you, feel free to call one of our certified dermatologists or schedule an appointment.  So go out and enjoy the beauty that is East Tennessee!

If you have any questions about ticks or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.