A 34-year-old woman, Alexis Christine, woke up to a startling surprise after spending hours doing yard work at her second home in Kansas. As an outdoorsy individual, Alexis is no stranger to encountering ticks in nature, especially in the Midwest where they are abundant. However, this particular incident took an unexpected turn when she found a seed tick clinging to her eyelid. Despite removing nearly 20 seed ticks from her body after the yard work, Alexis was taken aback to find one in such a sensitive area.
Tick encounters are common in regions like Kansas, particularly when wildlife like deer and foxes are present in yards. Alexis emphasises that spending time outdoors makes tick encounters almost unavoidable, even for those taking precautions. The seed ticks, also known as the ‘baby’ stage of ticks, are tiny and challenging to spot, as they are smaller than a freckle. Alexis regrets not wearing long pants that day due to the heat, which likely facilitated the tick’s access to her eyelid unnoticed.
The morning after the yard work, Alexis felt something unusual along her lower left eyelid when removing her sleep mask. To her dismay, she discovered the tick nestled among her eyelashes, causing immediate alarm. With experience in dealing with ticks, Alexis attempted to remove the tick with tweezers, a process that proved tricky due to the delicate location. Despite accidentally pulling out a small chunk of her eyelashes, she successfully eliminated the tick and disposed of it properly.
In the Midwest, it’s common for residents like Alexis not to rush to a doctor for tick bites unless complications arise, given the frequency of such encounters. Monitoring for signs of infection or irritation post-tick bite is crucial, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms develop is advised. Alexis and her husband have adopted a routine of thorough ‘tick checks’ after outdoor activities, ensuring any hidden ticks are discovered and removed before causing issues.
While Alexis continues to feel unsettled post the tick incident, she remains vigilant and plans to undergo Lyme disease testing regularly as a precaution. Despite the ordeal, she emphasises the importance of proper tick removal techniques to minimise disease risks. Her story serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of tick encounters, even in familiar outdoor settings, urging others to be cautious and proactive in dealing with such situations.