Imagine having a summer barbeque in your backyard—one you’ve had many times before. A few hours or so after consuming a big juicy steak, you start to feel a weird sensation. Your eyes begin to itch, and hives appear on your body. It feels like an allergic reaction, but it can’t be because you’re aware of all your allergies. A visit to the doctor and a few tests tell you that you’ve developed an alpha-gal allergy, which causes a reaction to mammalian meat. This can come as a shock, especially if you’ve been eating red meat regularly your whole life. But a single bite from the Lone Star tick, can turn your immune system and your world upside down.
The Lone Star Tick and Alpha-Gal
This anomaly is a relatively new condition appearing mostly in the southeastern states. Alpha-gal is short for galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, a carbohydrate molecule that is found in red meats and other foods. If a Lone Star tick, named for the Texas-shaped mark in its back, happens to be carrying this molecule at the time it bites you, it can activate your allergy immune system. Your body will then be wired to create antibodies that will fight off the alpha-gal molecules. There is no cure for this allergy, but medical professionals do have treatments that help manage symptoms.
Pest Control:
As the virus is starting to spread to northern states and other parts of the country, doctors are urging patients to use proper protection when outdoors. Warm weather allows people to spend more time outside, but also makes the allergy easier to catch. Therefore, the allergy is primarily in the southern states. Using insecticide and avoiding grassy, woody trails can reduce the risk of tick bites.
Tick Check:
Checking your body and bathing with soap and hot water after outdoor activities is the best way to avoid diseases transmitted by a tick bite. Begin your check by taking all your clothes off and washing them immediately. Starting at the scalp, check thoroughly for any small bumps. Continue down behind your ears, to your neck and armpits. Keep moving down your body and use a mirror to catch any hard to see places like the back. Ticks are especially attracted to dark areas, so be sure to examine your arms, the back of knees, ankles and groin area extra carefully. Continue checking your body and scalp the next few days in case anything was missed.
Looking to control your allergies and their reactions? At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we offer allergic reaction support for anyone struggling with abnormal allergy conditions. Call today to make an appointment, or visit our website online.
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