If you do not have a pair of pointy tweezers, use a pair of household tweezers. They will work better than your fingers. Do not use pliers. This will squish the tick and increase the likelihood of infection.
Applying disinfectant before removing the tick creates a sterile area and helps prevent the spread of infectious disease.
Getting the tick by its head will close off its throat and prevent it from regurgitating the toxins in its system into yours.
Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Although it is best to removal the entire tick at once, do not be too concerned if the head breaks off. As long as the tick’s throat is closed, disease transmission will be limited.
Use iodine or rubbing alcohol, as well as soap and water, to clean the wound. Do not rub too vigorously. This might irritate the bite area.
Avoid squeezing the tick with your fingers. This will cause the infectious contents of its stomach to spill onto your fingers.
Write down the date you were bitten. This may help your doctor determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a tick borne illness.
Although you can perform this operation on yourself, depending on where the tick is located, it is best to have someone help you. If you, or someone else, are unable to remove the tick, have a doctor remove it safely.
The goal is to have a knot that can move on the straw.
Avoid tying the knot around the tick’s body. This will cause it to regurgitate its stomach contents into the wound.
Be sure to kill the tick and dispose of it.
The procedure is relatively quick and painless. However, it does involve needles, so it may not be perfect for those with needle phobias.
Lidocaine is also referred to as Xylocaine.
Be sure to grab the tick before it runs off and finds a tastier spot on your body or attaches to someone else. Once the tick is gone, you can squeeze the Lidocaine out of the blister or let your body break it down on its own.
