$Unique_ID{BRK00025}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Tick Removal}
$Subject{tick removal Infections Infection Parasites Parasite Ticks Tic tics
remove tweezers match skin Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Lyme disease tularemia
removing special procedure procedures}
$Volume{A-20,P-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Tick Removal


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QUESTION:  What's the best way to remove a tick?

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ANSWER:  Although there aren't quite as many ways to remove ticks as there are
cures for hiccups, there are quite a few.  The best way may be to use tweezers
and pull the tick straight out and up.  This has become the most commonly
recommended method because it is simple and quick.  Even if the mouthparts of
the tick are left in place, there is little danger of the spot becoming
infected.
     Other methods may not work as well.  Touching the tick with a hot match
or placing the burning end of a cigarette on the bugger may cause it to burst
or burn the skin.  Worse still it may cause the tick to regurgitate and
salivate, increasing the possibilities of disease transmission.  Covering the
tick with alcohol, petroleum jelly, or fingernail polish takes a long time and
may still not budge the tick.
     As you know, ticks carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever,
Lyme disease, and tularemia, which is why removing them is so important.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.