- Use fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close as possible. Pull upwards with steady even pressure, don’t twist or jerk the tick. Ticks should neither be removed nor be crushed with bare fingers.
- Never use Gasoline, nail polish, kerosene, petroleum jelly or hot match to kill and remove a tick. These methods don’t get the tick off the skin, and can cause it to burrow deeper and release more saliva (which increases the chances of disease transmission).
- After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.
- Check for ticks daily (from head downwards)
- In the hairline and scalp, in and around the ears,
- Under the arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, behind the knees and between the legs.
Watch closely for fever in next 1 to 2 weeks and start prompt treatment for rickettsial disease if fever appears.
Pediatric Practice... Pearls for your Pediatric Office Practice 