Under normal circumstances flea and tick bites are more bothersome than troublesome; the majority of victims (both human and pet) exhibit only minor discomfort with no lasting effects. But for those with allergies or who have come into contact with a tick that is carrying a disease, the consequences of even one bite can be far more complicated. Knowing what to look for will help you know when a bite is treatable at home and when it’s time to consult a physician.

Flea Bites

Flea bites first appear about a half hour after the actual bite and typically on, though not limited to, the feet and ankles. The bite will present as a small raised bump with a single bite mark in the center. Bites on people or animals with sensitivity to fleas might exhibit a red bump surrounded by a reddened halo. Because a single flea is capable of biting up to 400 times, the bites will usually occur as a few bites close together or in clusters.

Signs of Trouble from a Flea Bite

Some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which will result in excessive itching and scratching that can lead to open sores and hair loss. Secondary infections from severe scratching can also occur. In people who are sensitive to insect bites, flea bites can swell into painful red mounds that can become infected or in the case of hives, a rash of raised red bumps. Consult a physician if the itching and swelling is not relieved by applying ice packs, by taking an antihistamine or if other symptoms including fever follow the bite.

Tick Bites

The bite of a tick is painless and because they are small enough to be hidden by fur, are often not noticed until the tick itself has swelled with blood. Once the tick has been removed, a red mark where the mouth parts pierced the skin may be the only indication of the bite.

Reasons to Call a Doctor after a Tick Bite

A doctor should be consulted if a rash consisting of raised red bumps appears at the site of the bite or if a severe headache or fever occurs two to 14 days following the bite. If the bite is infected, which might occur if the entire tick is not removed, it could show red streak marks originating from the bite area and possibly produce a yellowish drainage. A red ring that resembles a bull’s-eye surrounding the bite may indicate Lyme disease and could appear three to 30 days after the bite.

Prevention

Discovering even one flea bite on your ankle or a tick on your dog, could mean there are hundreds more fleas and ticks in the vicinity, a problem that can only be truly solved by treating your house and yard with a pesticide specifically designed to eliminate the pests. Staying vigilant against a re-infestation can greatly reduce the chance for any future health problems for you and your pets.

Blood sugar refers to the amount of sugar–or glucose–in your blood. The hormone insulin helps the body process and use glucose. Normally, blood sugar increases after eating, and the pancreas releases insulin to regulate glucose levels. In people with diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the body is not able to regulate blood sugar on its own, resulting in sometimes very dangerous reactions.

High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar occurs when there is not enough insulin produced, or when the body cannot properly process insulin. Blood sugar that remains high for a long time can cause serious damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Some signs of high blood sugar include high blood glucose levels in a blood or urine test, frequent urination and an increase in thirst.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can be caused by stress, hunger and insulin reactions. If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia or with diabetes, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and to know how to treat this condition. Symptoms include shakiness and dizziness, sweating, severe feelings of hunger, sudden moodiness, lack of concentration and clumsiness.

Normal Levels of Blood Sugar

There are several types of blood glucose tests, which include fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar and random blood sugar testing. Fasting blood sugar tests measure glucose levels after 8 hours without food or drink and should result in a normal range of 70 to 99 milligrams glucose per deciliter of blood; postprandial blood sugar tests measure glucose levels within two hours after eating and should result in a range of 70 to 145 mg/dL; random blood sugar tests are taken at intervals throughout the day and should result in glucose levels of 70 to125 mg/dL. Blood sugar levels higher or lower than these ranges are not considered normal and should be monitored closely. Danger zones include fasting blood sugar above 126 mg/dl or below 50 mg/dl.