Fästingbottning

Fästingbottning is a Swedish term referring to the practice of meticulously checking one's body for ticks after spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas. This preventive measure is crucial for reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Ticks are small arachnids that can attach to skin and feed on blood, and during this process, they can transmit pathogens.

The process of fästingbottning involves a thorough visual and tactile examination of the entire body. This includes commonly infested areas like the scalp, behind the ears, in the armpits, groin, and along the hairline, as well as less obvious spots like between fingers and toes. Special attention should be paid to areas where clothing might have rubbed or created a favorable environment for ticks. It is often recommended to perform fästingbottning in good lighting, and if possible, with the help of another person for harder-to-see areas.

Regular fästingbottning, especially after walks in forests, tall grass, or parks during warmer months, is a key strategy in tick prevention. If a tick is found attached, it should be removed promptly and correctly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upwards with steady pressure. If any symptoms of tick-borne illness appear after a tick bite, such as a rash or flu-like symptoms, medical attention should be sought.