Ticks that Stick! Get them off quick!

Removal

  • Apply a moderate amount of liquid soap to a wet cotton ball
  • Press firmly on tick
  • Rub in a counter-clockwise motion
  • The tick should then release.
  • Repeat procedure if needed.
  • After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
  • Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet

Another way to remove ticks is to:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
  • After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
  • Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

Prevention

  • After outside play, check skin and hair-especially the scalp, behind the ears, the neck and under the arms.
  • When playing in wooded areas, children should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and tuck pant legs into the socks.
  • Use an insect repellent with 10% DEET.

When to call our office:

  • The tick has been on the skin for more than 24 hours
  • Part of the tick remains in the skin after attempted removal.
  • A bulls-eye rash appears (3-5 weeks after bite).
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and muscle and joint aches (3-5 weeks after bite).

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*Edited by Dr. Michelle Potter on 5/26/21.