How to properly check for and remove Ticks

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By Kirsten M.
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What is Lyme Disease?

Summer will be here before you know it. Do you know how to check for and properly remove Ticks to prevent Lyme Disease?

Borrelia Burgdorferi, named after it's researcher, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, is the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. It is the fastest growing Infectious Disease in the United States with reports of Lyme in every state. This oddly shaped bacterium belongs to a group of Bacteria known as Spirochetes. These Spirochetes are visible only with the help of a microscope. The squiggly, spiral like bacterium are spread through Tick bites to animals and humans. Ticks can carry a host of other bacterial infections most commonly referred to as Tick-Borne co-infections that can increase the symptoms thus making it harder to eradicate and diagnose the disease. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonella, Colorado Tick Fever, Tick Paralysis, Ehrlichiosis (HGE and HME), Powassan Encephalitis, and Relapsing Fever are just a few of these co-infections.

Checking for Ticks

Most of the Ticks that are responsible for spreading Lyme Disease are very small. They can look like scabs, moles, freckles or dirt and can be easily overlooked. Be sure to check all areas of the body. Exposed and non-exposed areas including scalp, back of neck, behind ears, behind knees and the genital region. Check several times a day while in wooded areas. Use of Tick repellent is crucial in avoiding this Disease.

Signs and Symptoms

Because of it’s complex nature, there are over a ninety symptoms of Lyme Disease. The most commonly known sign is the appearance of the erythema migrans, also called the “Bull’s eye rash.” However, it is possible to have Lyme without the presence of a rash. If this infection is left untreated it can spread to the joints, the central nervous system, and heart as well as other organs in the body. Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ALS as well as other disorders. It is a great imitator of these illnesses and can be debilitating if left untreated.

There are Known 3 stages of Lyme

Stage One:
Early localized infection which usually is treatable with antibiotics. It’s symptoms usually include a “Flu like” illness with fever, body aches, chills, joint pain, fatigue and sometimes a “Bull’s eye rash.”

Stage Two:
Early Disseminated infection which can occur within days or weeks following Tick infection. At this stage it is harder to treat due to the spreading of the Spirochetes through the bloodstream to additional body tissues.

Stage Three:
Late/Chronic persistent Lyme which remains the most controversial is the stage where if the infection is left untreated for a number of months or years it can require months or years of antibiotic treatment. If infection isn’t treated correctly damage to brain, nerves and joints can occur.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tweezers
Small Jar
If you suspect you or someone else has Lyme Disease, it is important to find a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) in your area for proper diagnosis and testing.

Step 1

Use a pair of Tweezers and grasp the head of the Tick as close to the skin possible.
Step 2

Firmly and slowly pull the Tick straight out. Be careful not to twist or pull out in a
jerking type motion and especially be careful not to squeeze the body of the Tick
because this area contains the infectious organism
Step 3

After removal wash area well with soap and water or an antiseptic.
Wash hands well.
Step 4

Tick can be placed in a jar and can be saved to be examined incase of illness.
Do not touch Tick with hands.

Tips & Warnings

Wear long sleeves
Light colored clothing so Ticks are able to be seen if on clothing.
Wear long pants
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE TICK WITH PETROLEUM JELLY OR HOT MATCHES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TICK TO RELEASE ADDITIONAL SALIVA WHICH WILL INCREASE THE CHANCES OF LYME INFECTION

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