How to Remove a Tick
- Do not twist the tick or rock it from side to side while removing it
- Put the tick in a sealed container or zip-locked bag and save it to show the doctor if your child becomes ill
- Swab the skin with alcohol
- Wash your hands and the site of the bite with soap and water
- Use a pair of fine point tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure
Watch this "
How to Remove a Tick" video.
Seek Medical Advice If
- Any of the following symptoms occur: fever, headache, fatigue, chills, stiff neck or back, muscle or joint aches
- The bite area look infected (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain or pus)
- Part of the tick remains in the skin after attempted removal
- A rash of any kind develops (especially a red-ringed bull's-eye rash or red dots on wrists and ankles)
- If the tick might have been on the skin for more than 24 hours
Participate in Your Towns Tick Testing Service
Visit
Tick Report to order a comprehensive report about what disease causing microbes the tick may be carrying. With Health Department discounted program, your final cost is $20. Standard cost is $50.
Health Department Tickborne Disease Program
Presented by Dr. Alfred DeMaria, Jr., M.D. on May 7, 2012. Although this program was geared towards medical personnel, the lay person can learn a great deal about the progression of tick borne infections over the years, the types of infections we see in Massachusetts, the symptoms and treatments, and prevention. This video is available on
Westford CAT.