Tick
Removal
Tick's mouthparts have reverse harpoon-like barbs, designed to penetrate
and attach to skin. Ticks secrete a cement-like substance that helps them
adhere firmly to the host. If you find that you or your pet has been bitten by
a tick, it is important to remove it properly.
Tick Removal Procedure:
- Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as
close to the skin as possible.
- Gently pull the tick straight out.
- Place the tick in a small vial labeled with the victim's name, address
and the date.
- Wash your hands, disinfect the tweezers and bite site.
- Mark your calendar with the victim's name, place of tick attachment on
the body, and general health at the time.
- Call your doctor to determine if treatment is warranted.
- Watch the tick-bite site and your general health for signs or symptoms
of a tick-borne illness. Make sure you mark any changes in your health
status on your calendar.
- If possible, have the tick identified/tested by a lab, your local health
department, or veterinarian.
If the mouthparts break off in the skin - should I dig them out?
We have heard two competing opinions about this.
One viewpoint states that the mouthparts can cause a secondary infection,
and should be removed as if it was a splinter.
Another viewpoint was shared with us by a pediatrician in a hyperendemic
area. He states that parents can do more harm by trying to hold down a child
and dig out the mouthparts with a needle. He instructs his families to leave
the mouthparts, and that they will come out on their own as the skin sloughs
off.
CAUTIONS:
- Children should be taught to seek adult help for tick removal.
- If you must remove the tick with your fingers, use a tissue or leaf to
avoid contact with infected tick fluids.
- Do not prick, crush or burn the tick as it may release infected fluids
or tissue.
- Do not try to smother the tick (e.g. petroleum jelly, nail polish) as
the tick has enough oxygen to complete the feeding.
