Easy Way to Remove a Tick
Ticks have been known to spread diseases such as Lyme disease, so it is important to remove one as soon as it's detected. Removing a tick incorrectly, however, can cause further harm. The best and easiest way to remove one of these pesky critters is with a common household item: tweezers.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Remove all clothing, and examine your entire body and scalp. Pay attention to your underarms, groin and hairline.
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Select fine-tipped tweezers.
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Put on gloves. It is important that you not handle ticks with your bare skin. There is a chance that you could be exposing yourself to infected fluid if you don't take this precaution. If you don't have gloves, use a small towel, tissue paper or any other type of covering.
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Examine the tick, and identify its mouth. This if the part attached to your skin. Do not grab the tick by its belly, which is filled with blood and fluid.
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Using the tweezers seize the tick by its mouth, and slowly pull it straight out. Detach the mouth from your skin. Go slowly, because you not do want to leave any part of the tick attached to you. It is crucial that you not yank or twist the tick. These movements can result in detaching the head from the body.
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Place the tick in a plastic bag or jar with a lid. Save it, in case you do need medical attention. A doctor can tell whether you were indeed bitten by the tick.
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Examine the area where the tick was attached. Ensure that no remnants of the tick are still embedded in your flesh.
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Wash the area with warm water and soap.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to remove the tick, seek the help of a medical professional.
Do not burn or attempt to smother the tick.
If you begin to feel ill, develop a rash or suffer from joint pain, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of an illness caused by the tick bite.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
