How to Properly Remove Ticks and Protect Against Infection
Posted: Friday, March 13, 2009
by Brent Parker
The Herbal Remedies Store
If you've spent any amount of time outdoors, especially in remote areas, you may have been bitten by a tick at some point. Often times this is completely harmless while other times a tick bite may turn into something much worse. It's important to know how to protect your self from tick bites and what to do once you are bitten. Some things you should be concerned about when bitten by a tick are...
Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This can be a fatal disease so if you notice rashes around your ankles or wrists, (may spread to the rest of your body) or severe headaches accompanied by a high fever you should see your doctor right away.
Lyme disease. This disease is easily treated using antibiotics though can become serious if not treated. The symptoms may not show for several week so keep your eyes open for a spot that appears much like a ringworm. If this occurs, seek medical treatment from a professional right away.
Ticks are most problematic June and July although they are still out and can be trouble from spring through fall. If you are in an environment known to have ticks, there are a few things you can do to help limit your exposure and unnecessary bites.
Cover up as much of your body as possible. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and keeping your socks pulled up high will really help to limit their exposure to your skin.
By inspecting thoroughly after an adventure outdoors you may find ticks before they've had a chance to attach themselves and if they have already taken hold, you'll be better off getting them out sooner rather than later.
Tip: If planning a family get together or other outdoor event, you can check the area for tick infestation in advance by dragging some white flannel cloth around the area by a string. If ticks are present they will be found on the cloth.
If bitten by a tick, you will want to remove it right away. Properly removing a tick involves making sure the head is removed and does not become detached and left in your skin which could lead to an increased chance of infection.
The three best ways to remove a tick.
Gently pull it out with tweezers. If it is being difficult to remove, you can use a blown out match tip to the back of the tick. Applying heat will often cause the tick loosen it's bite and enable you to softly pull it out. When the tick becomes bothered by the heat, it's legs will start to wiggle so keep applying heat until you see this.
A second way is to use certain products to irritate the tick and make him let go. Use just a drop of benzine, alcohol, kerosene or gasoline on the head of the tick and be patient. In then minutes or so, the tick should be ready to move on to a more tick friendly environment.
Another method is lethal to the tick. They breath through small openings that can be found on their side. Covering them fingernail polish or paraffin will suffocate them after which you may safely remove with tweezers.
As mentioned, tick bites can lead to infection and once removed, the area should be cleaned immediately and have an antiseptic applied to help protect from infection.
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