Tick Bite SOS
A Growing Health Concern
Tick bites are getting worse, especially across the South Coast of NSW. Reactions are stronger, and they’re happening more often—even in places that used to be tick-free.
I moved to Bega shire, south NSW in 2021. Since then, I’ve had total 11 new tick bites. Nine of them led to infections, and one nearly killed me due to inappropriate removal. My immune system has been compromised at the time of bites, which definitely contributed to developing tick borne infections.
This experience pushed me to dig deep into the tick issue—how to avoid them, treat bites properly, and help others do the same. I’ve been supporting locals with tick bites ever since. I’ve seen everything from mild reactions to really serious ones. You quickly learn what works and what doesn’t.
The primary species of concern in this region is Ixodes holocyclus, commonly referred to as the paralysis tick. This tick is capable of causing severe allergic reactions, paralysis, and infections in both humans and animals.
Locals say tick bites used to be a summer problem. Now it’s year-round. Even horses and livestock are reacting badly to bites, which wasn’t happening before.
I also spoke with Yuin Elders about the growing tick issue. They told me that in the past, regular bush backburns helped keep insect numbers down. They also used natural tick prevention—like crushed tea tree leaves—to keep them away.
Bottom line? Tick bites are on the rise, and they’re a real health threat. It’s time we all took them seriously.
High Risks and Misinformation
If you live in or travel through endemic areas like Southern NSW and come into contact with grassy areas—even a backyard or park—the risk of getting a tick bite is high.
Safe tick removal is crucial to preventing adverse reactions.
Unfortunately, much of the advice online is based on U.S. tick species and is not applicable to Australian ticks. The Ixodes holocyclus species has the longest mouthparts among ticks, embedding deeply into the skin—making removal more complex and dangerous.
Local medical practitioners often lack in-depth knowledge of tick bite consequences. Misdiagnosis—or no diagnosis—can lead to preventable chronic illness.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s important to:
- Understand the risks
- Learn safe tick removal techniques
- Prevent or minimise complications
I’ve personally endured severe illness from improper tick removal, allergic reactions, and infections. I created this guide to help you avoid the same.
Major Health Risks from Tick Bites
1. Allergic Reactions (within minutes to 24 hours)
- Local Reaction: Itchy, red, hot skin; raised bump; inflamed area; oozing wound
- Systemic Symptoms: Vertigo, weakness, dizziness, muscle aches, light sensitivity, night sweats, low-grade fever, stiff neck, brain fog, nerve tingling, swollen lymph nodes
- Anaphylaxis: Noisy breathing, swollen tongue, wheezing, collapse — requires an EpiPen and emergency care
❗ Improper tick removal increases allergic reaction risk.
🩺 Allergic reactions usually resolve on their own within 3–21 days.
Repeated bites can trigger stronger reactions.
Tick Bite local allergic reactions
Tick Bite local allergic reactions
Localised allergic reaction that developed into systemic infection
2. Tick Paralysis
Caused by neurotoxins released after 3+ days of tick feeding. Always perform daily tick checks.
- Early Signs: Lethargy, poor balance, loss of appetite
- Neurological Signs: Dilated pupils, slurred speech, facial paralysis, blurred vision, light sensitivity
- Severe Cases: Laboured breathing, slow heart rate, low oxygen. Rarely: myocarditis in children
➡️ Requires emergency medical attention
🩺 Symptoms usually resolve quickly after tick removal
3. Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Mammalian Meat Allergy)
A delayed allergic reaction to mammalian meat.
- Mild to Severe Symptoms: Digestive upset, hives (especially on the torso), or life-threatening anaphylaxis
➡️ If you experience digestive symptoms after a tick bite, ask your GP for a Medicare-covered Alpha-Gal test
🩺 No known cure — requires long-term dietary management
Alpha Gall Reactions:
4. Tick-Borne Infections
- Onset: 5–10 days post-bite (may overlap with allergic symptoms)
- Pathogens: Coxiella, Rickettsia, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Borrelia, and arboviruses
- Symptoms: Headache, swollen lymph nodes (especially cervical), muscle pain, cognitive issues, moderate-to-high fever (as opposed to low or no fever with allergy), night sweats, fatigue
🔬 Immunosuppressed individuals may not develop a fever, making diagnosis harder.
Erythema migraines ( Bulls eye) is rare in Australia.
🩺 Requires antibiotics and immune support.
Safe Tick Removal – Australian Paralysis Ticks
Critical for reducing the risk of allergic reactions and infections!
✅ Step 1: Kill the Tick While Embedded
Use a -50°C tick freeze spray. Wait for it to detach or carefully remove it using fine-tipped tweezers.
Important: If using tweezers, grip the head only.
❌ Never squeeze the tick’s body — even if it’s dead.
❌ What Not to Use
- Permethrin (Scabies Cream): Doesn’t kill the tick instantly, increasing irritation and infection risk. Only use in sensitive areas (e.g., eyes, mouth) where freezing spray is not safe.
- Tweezers on a live tick: Greatly increases the risk of allergic reactions.
Common Challenges with Tweezers
- Ticks are often too small to grip
- Frequently embedded in hard-to-reach areas (hair, skin folds)
- Precision is essential — under stress, people often mishandle tweezers and squeeze the tick’s body, causing more harm
Freeze Spray Drawbacks
- Will cause minor skin burn, which typically heal within 3–9 weeks.
Post-Tick Bite Treatment
1. Homeopathic Tick Bite Protocol (Days 1–14)
Supports the body in preventing anaphylaxis and tick-borne infections.
- How to take: 3 drops once daily into a clean mouth, at least 10 minutes away from food or drink
- Who needs it: Everyone — even if no visible reaction occurs
Formulas: Ixodes holocyclus, Aurum arsenicosum, Apis mellifica, Histaminum, Rhus tox, Gelsemium, Lyssin, Borrelia, Ledum
2. Herbal Tick-Bite Immune Tincture (Days 1–14) drainage (MLD)?
Formulated to support the immune system during the active pathogen phase.
- How to take: 5 ml, 3x daily in water, ideally on an empty stomach
- Who needs it: High-risk individuals (immunocompromised, elderly, history of tick infections), or anyone seeking extra protection
Herbs: Teasel, Sweet Annie, Japanese Knotweed, Andrographis, Cryptolepis, Rosemary
❗ If symptoms of infection develop, please book with me or a tick-aware practitioner.
3. Topical Support: Andrographis + Bentonite Paste (Days 1–5)
Helps draw out toxins, allergens, and supports wound healing.
- How to use: Mix ~3 ml of Andrographis tincture with bentonite clay into a paste. Apply directly to the bite, leave on for 24 hours, and replace daily for 5 days
- Who needs it: Anyone prone to itchy, weeping, or inflamed tick wounds
*6 weeks old tick bite wound, ongoing oozing, one day post Andrographis paste
Pharmaceutical Support
Antihistamines
For managing local and systemic allergic reactions.
- OTC H1 blockers: Claratyne (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Telfast (fexofenadine)
Doxycycline
- Dosage: 100 mg twice daily for 4 weeks (ILADS standard for Borrelia infections)
Australia doesn’t officially recognise Lyme disease, but local Borrelia species exist.
Important Notes:
- Not everyone needs antibiotics — only take them if symptoms arise
- May impact gut flora — follow gut support protocols
- Some GPs may hesitate due to outdated guidelines
If your GP is reluctant, remind them that Rickettsia and Coxiella are well-documented in Australia and require antibiotics.
Order Tick Bite Kit
A must-have for South Coast residents or travellers.
Includes:
- 30 ml Homeopathic blend – $30
- 200 ml Herbal immune tincture – $69
- 30 ml Andrographis + Bentonite – $25
- Measuring cup and instructions
📦 Shipping: $15 flat rate or free local pick-up (Bermagui or Candelo, NSW)
💰 Save on postage: Order full kit or items individually
Shelf Life:
- Homeopathic: No expiry
- Herbal tinctures: 5 years (store in a dark, cool place)
- Bentonite clay: No expiry
✅ Always keep your kit stocked with freeze spray, tweezers, wound care, and remedies.
TO ORDER
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