Tick season is upon us. The risk is higher as people want to get outside and garden or barbecue, etc. What is the best way to remove a tick if you should get one?
- Use a fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin surface.
- Gently pull upwards with steady even pressure.
- After removing, clean the areas and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Never crush the tick with your fingers. It may cause it to release more toxins into the skin.
What if the head of the tick stays inside your skin? There is an increased risk of infection. You may cover the entire area with petroleum jelly or nail polish to suffocate it. Closely monitor the bite area for any signs or symptoms of infection and report anything that may arise from the bite to your doctor.