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Bites from ticks, especially deer ticks (Ixodes species), can cause Lyme disease, a zoonotic disease.
Lyme disease is caused by an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. This is most likely to happen if the tick remains attached for more than 48 to 72 hours. Fortunately, tick removal is relatively easy.
How do you remove a tick?
- Using tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouth parts, as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull the tick in a steady, upward motion away from the skin.
- Do not use kerosene, matches, or petroleum jelly to remove ticks.
- Disinfect the site with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide.
- Record the date and location of the tick bite.
What to do with the tick you removed?
Never crush a tick with your fingers. You can take it to the Department of Health and have it tested for the diseases it’s carrying.
Or you can get rid of the tick by:
- First, drowning it in soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
- Flushing it down the toilet.
- Throwing it in the trash after wrapping it up securely with tape.
Conclusion
Removing a tick from the skin should be done carefully and properly to avoid the possibility of infection. It’s also important to clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. If any symptoms such as fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms occur after a tick bite, seek medical attention at an urgent care center immediately.
