#remove a tick

[mizar113]

Remove a tick.

[backcountrycompass]

How to Remove a Tick

So you were not able to prevent the tick from finding a hold on you and you think you know how to remove a tick, better make sure, because most common tick removal methods I have heard from friends and family can increase the chances of infection.

The two most commonly shared methods are touching a hot match head to the hind parts of the tick or covering the entire tick in petroleum jelly, nail polish or paint to try and suffocate the tick, causing them to back out.  The problem is that these techniques may cause additional injury to the host (Fido, Kitty, or Yourself) as well as encourage the tick to produce more pathogen-containing secretions into the bite site.

Any methods of removal that stimulate the tick to spit out even small amounts of their meal of blood, or to pass infected saliva back into the host, may increase the likelihood of disease transmission to the host. Further, all of the head and mouthparts of the tick should be removed. Because the tick is attached firmly to most hosts, rough or improper handling may result in portions of the head and mouthparts remaining embedded in the skin. This can be a site of infection and inflammation and might increase the likelihood of transmitting disease.

The greatest concern in removing a tick is the possible transmission of disease like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc.

Remove that Tick:  

Use a small pair of curved forceps or tweezers. Wear some sort of hand protection such as gloves so you don't spread pathogens from the tick to your hands.

Using the tweezers, carefully flip the tick over onto its back. Grasp the tick firmly with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Apply gentle pulling until the tick comes free. Twisting or turning the tick does not make removal easier because the mouthparts are barbed; in fact, such actions may break off the head and mouthparts, thereby increasing the chances for infection. The illustration to the right from the U.S. CDC shows the proper technique for removal of a tick. 

Once removed, don't crush the tick because you may transmit disease. Consider keeping it in a tightly closed jar or taped to a piece of paper. Show the tick to the doctor if you become ill from the tick bite. When you are ready to dispose of the tick, rinse it down a sink or flush it down a toilet.

The area of the bite should leave a small crater or indentation where the head and mouthparts were embedded. If you are unable to remove parts of the mouth that remain easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal, or you can have them removed by a doctor.

Wash the bite area and your hands with a mild disinfectant, like anti-bacterial soap, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or an iodine scrub. Next apply a first-aid antibiotic to the area, to help prevent a local infection; this does not affect the chance of developing diseases transmitted by the tick. Survey the bite area for several days after you have removed the tick, watching for the development of a reaction to the bite, such as a rash or any signs of infection.

Clean and disinfect any instruments that were used. Remember to wash hands thoroughly after handling any instruments that touched a tick.

Remember, preventing ticks from getting their bite on is always your first line of defense, here are some Tips to Avoid Tick Bites in the first place. 

Happy Tick Plucking!

                                                      - Backcountry Gear @ Gear&Gadgetry