When a ticks bites, it burrows it head into the skin of the host, then feeds on its blood. While most tick bites are harmless, some kinds of ticks, such as deer ticks and wood ticks, can transmit diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Regardless of the risk, a tick should be removed as soon as possible. Removing a tick is a fairly simple procedure, and special medical attention usually isn't necessary.
Checking for Ticks
Check for ticks after being outside for any period of time. In humans, check the scalp, ears, neck and arms and lower legs for tick bites. Children are especially susceptible to bites if they play in areas that harbor ticks. Dogs, cats and other pets can also be bitten by ticks and can bring them in from outside on their fur.
Removing a Tick
If the tick has not bitten you yet, you can remove it easily with a tissue. If the head of the tick is buried in the skin, remove it with a pair of pointed tweezers by grasping the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible, taking care not to crush it. Pull the tick straight out of the skin with a firm, slow and steady force. The tick will eventually let go. Twisting or rocking the tick back and forth to remove it is not necessary. Once the tick is removed, use soap and water to cleanse the skin and apply a topical disinfectant.
What Not to Do
Do not use a lit match, petroleum jelly, liquid soap, finger nail polish or polish remover, insect repellents or pesticides to remove ticks. They are not effective treatments and can even aggravate the tick, making the situation worse. If part of the head remains in the skin after the tick is removed, don't panic. It can be removed as if it were a splinter.
When to Get Medical Attention
Immediately seek medical attention if the tick has been in the skin for more than 24 hours, a rash of any kind forms, the bite becomes infected, or symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or joint pain or neck or back stiffness occur.
It is important to save the removed tick in a sealed container or zip-top bag. If symptoms of illness occur later, the tick may be needed for testing. If no symptoms occur within one month, you can dispose of the tick.
Tags: head tick, medical attention, tick bites, tick removed