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                         May 10, 2002

Removing ticks

Tick mouth parts have reverse harpoon-like barbs, designed to penetrate and attach to skin. They also secrete a cement-like substance that helps them adhere firmly to the host.

If you find a tick on yourself or a family member, the first thing to do is remove it properly. The following are tick removal procedures from the National Lyme Organization:

n Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as close to the skin as possible.

n Gently pull the tick straight out.

n Place the tick in a small vial labeled with the victim’s name, address and the date.

n Wash your hands, disinfect the tweezers and bite site.

n Mark your calendar with the victim’s name, place of tick attachment on the body and the general health at the time.

n Call your doctor to determine if treatment is warranted.

n Watch the tick-bite site and your general health for signs or symptoms of a tick-borne illness.

n If possible, have the tick tested by a lab, your local health department or vet.