Removing a Tick
Sooner the Better, But Take Your Time
Begin by swabbing the tick with alcohol. With a pair of tweezers, firmly grasp the tick close to the skin. Gently pull the tick strait out, not twisting. Thoroughly disinfect the wound and the tweezers, and wash hands with plenty of soap. Never touch a tick with your bare hands.
It is important to remove all of the tick so care should be taken in this process. If the mouthpiece is left in the skin it will increase the likelihood of disease and will often allow the wound to bleed and become susceptible to infection.
Dispose of the tick by putting it in a jar of alcohol or soapy water, sticking it to some tape, or by flushing it down the toilet. Do not touch the tick. If disposable surgical gloves are available, they should be used.
If there is fear of disease, you may need the tick to be identified. If so, put the tick in a jar of alcohol and label it with the date it was found and the area it is from.
Continue to Tick Identification....
