How to Remove a Tick

Ticks are the most annoying insects that can wreak havoc in your home. They are commonly found on pets and may even find its way to your skin. Ticks suck blood from the body of mammals and also cause a number of diseases that include the Lyme disease, the Rocky Mountain spotted fever and relapsing fever. Symptoms of ticks infection include rashes, fever, joint pain or fatigue. Ticks are more active during warm seasons. If you get infected with ticks, it is necessary for you to get rid of them as fast as you can. Here’s how you should go about accomplishing your task.

Complexity Level: Basic

Time Required: 20 minutes

Resources Required:

1. Tweezers

2. Cotton balls

3. Rubbing alcohol

Instructions:

1. Getting hold of the tick

Get hold of the tick near the neck and mouth. Getting hold of the tick near the body is not recommended at this may cause the tick to inject bacteria into the blood. The head is usually buried into the skin layer so get hold of the tick as near to the skin surface as possible.

2. Pulling out the tick

Pull the tick out in a steady and firm manner. Do not twist and turn the tick because this might cause the mouth of the tick to become detached from the rest of the body and remain embedded in the skin. Do not worry if the skin moves upwards as you pull. Pull and hold till the tick releases the skin.

3. Disinfecting the affected area

Immediately after the tick is removed, rub the affected area with the cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or iodine solution. This will prevent the infection from spreading further in the body.

4. Preserving the tick and noting the date

Preserve the tick by putting it in a bag and freezing it or by putting it in a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Also, note the date when the tick had bitten. If there are any symptoms of a tick-borne disease, the doctor may need to analyze the tick and will also need to know the date when the infection was introduced in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is it necessary to see a doctor after a tick bite?

It is essential to see a doctor after a tick bite. You have to make sure that the head or mouth of the tick is not embedded in your skin. Also, you have to get the necessary antibiotic in case of an infection.

2. What are the symptoms that I should watch out for if affected by a tick?

Symptoms that usually result from a tick borne infection include fever, fatigue, body and joint pains and skin rash. In case any of these symptoms show, consult a doctor immediately.

3. How soon should the tick be removed to prevent infection?

If the tick is removed between 24-72 hrs of being bitten, the risks of infection and disease are considerably diminished.

4. What can be used to prevent the spreading of infection?

Rubbing alcohol is the most effective in preventing the spread of an infection caused by a tick. However, iodine solutions, tea tree oil and soap and water may also be used.

5. How do I remove ticks with tea tree oil?

Put 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on the tick and also on and around the affected skin. Wait for at least 2 minutes and then pull out the tick with tweezers as mentioned above. Put 2-3 drops of the tea tree oil on the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.

Quick Tips:

1. Take measures to prevent an infestation of ticks as much as possible.

2. Ask for the help of family, friends or the doctor if the tick has affected a spot you cannot reach by yourself.

3. Remove the tick as soon as you can after being affected.

4. Keep rubbing alcohol or iodine solution handy and apply it immediately after the tick is removed.

5. Consult a doctor as soon as possible after the removal of ticks.

6. See a doctor if any of the symptoms of tick-born disease appears.

Things To Watch Out For:

1. Do not try to pull out the tick with your bare hands.

2. Do not squeeze, twist or apply pressure on the tick. If the body of the tick bursts, the bacteria in the tick may infect your hands. Also, no body part or part of mouth should remain behind.

3. Applying heat, petroleum jelly or alcohol to the tick that is still embedded is useless and should not be attempted.

4. Check thoroughly to ensure there are no infected areas left untreated on the body.

5. Do not ignore the symptoms of tick-borne diseases if they show.

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