Wonder how to remove a tick? Lyme disease often begins with a small tick bite, but the risks that come with it are anything but small. Being proactive to prevent transmission is just as important as knowing how to properly remove a tick—including what not to do. Following the right steps will ensure a decreased chance of spreading the infection and a successful disposal.
Lyme disease can wreak havoc on your body, starting with the bite of a tiny tick. Sadly, because they are so small and unnoticeable in their surroundings, most do not think twice about ticks until it is attached and noticed.
Then what?
Aside from the initial bout of panic, the key is knowing how to remove a tick safely. One wrong move can increase the risk of infection.
At Lyme Mexico Clinic, we have seen what Lyme disease can do. And we have seen how taking the right steps to protect yourself can allow you to minimize danger and confidently reduce the chance of contracting an illness. Here’s what you need to know.
The Importance of Tick Removal
Don’t be fooled by a tick’s size. They are very capable of spreading an array of serious infections, like Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Bartonella. It is not uncommon for individuals to be infected with more than one, simultaneously.
Transmission is easy if you aren’t paying attention. The tick will attach to inconspicuous places on the body, such as behind the knee, the scalp, the groin, behind the ears, etc. The longer it stays in place, the greater your risk. Research shows that it takes about 24 to 36 hours for a Lyme infection to be transmitted, though this may happen sooner in some cases.
Steps to Safely Remove a Tick
If you find a tick on yourself or someone else, follow these steps to remove and safely dispose of it.
Gather Your Supplies
First things first, you will want to have everything ready to go as you need it. Ideally, you will want to have the following on hand:
- Clean, fine-tipped tweezers
- A disinfectant, like rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water
- Means of disposal
Removing the Tick
Use your pointy tweezers to remove the tick from the skin. The idea is to grasp it as close to the skin as possible without squeezing the body. Be careful, as it is very easy to separate the body from the mouth, leaving the latter behind under the skin. Even the slightest twist or jerk, or too much pressure, can make this happen.
Gently pull it upward and in a straight line.
Disinfecting the Area
Because infections are so widely spread, it is always a good idea to disinfect the skin after the tick is removed. How you do this will depend on what you have access to. Alcohol or iodine are ideal, but if you do not have them, a thorough clean with soap and water should work just fine.
Disposing of the Tick
Never remove the tick and let it go. This can give it another opportunity to latch onto you or someone else. Proper disposal will keep you safe. So, what does that look like? Well, you’ve got some options.
If you have used alcohol as your disinfectant, placing the tick in alcohol can kill it. You could also place it in a tightly sealed bag. Or, if you are near a restroom, you can always flush the tick down the toilet.
Wait and Watch
Once the removal itself is over, you aren’t done. You will want to keep an eye out for symptoms—even if the tick was removed properly. Infections can spread, and catching them early can be a game-changer.
Watch out for a bull’s-eye rash that is often (but not always) present, as well as flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, body aches, and joint pain. Should any appear, seek medical attention right away.
What NOT to Do When Removing a Tick
There is a lot of misinformation floating around the internet, and some can be quite dangerous. Remember, without taking tick removal seriously, you are playing with your overall health and well-being.
Follow the above steps to fully remove and dispose of the tick. That will ensure you avoid these mistakes:
DO NOT Burn the Tick
Burning the tick, especially if it is still attached to the skin, can be dangerous. Doing so can cause the tick to regurgitate potentially infected fluids into the bloodstream.
DO NOT Squeeze the Tick
By squeezing the tick’s body, you are forcing out the harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of transmission.
DO NOT Apply Irritating Substances
There are certain substances that ticks do not like. When they encounter them, they become agitated and release even more of the pathogens. A few of the most common ideas spreading online include using petroleum jelly, nail polish, or essential oils. Do not use them.
Tick Bite Prevention
If you don’t want to deal with everything that comes with a tick bite, be proactive in your prevention strategy. Here are a few tips you can follow.
- Minimize exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, a hat, etc.
- Light-colored clothing will make ticks easier to spot
- DEET insect repellants that work for ticks are always a great option. Follow the instructions to apply—reapplying as directed
- Shower after being outdoors to remove ticks that aren’t yet attached
Finally, always check yourself and those you are with for ticks, including pets. Pay close attention to the key areas where they like to hide.
The Need for Medical Attention
Despite best efforts, sometimes an infection occurs and medical treatment must be sought. This can significantly reduce the risk of long-term Lyme disease, especially if you work with a Lyme-literate team like ours.
At our clinic, we provide advanced treatment options that are personalized for those dealing with Lyme and co-infections, always getting to the root cause. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand and find alternate treatments that will give you relief.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by a tick-borne infection, don’t delay treatment. Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.