Not long ago I was getting ready and noticed my armpit itched. Not only did it itch, but it also felt like there was a slight bump. So I raised my arm high to the sky to take a look and noticed the area was brown. I immediately thought, "oh a new freckle or mole has formed," so I went to the mirror to get a close up. It wasn't a mole or a freckle at all; it was a nymph, otherwise known as a small tick. The kind you SHOULD be afraid of!! How could this be? I had just taken a shower! Ticks come off in the shower right?? NO, NO, NO! Then I proceeded to use my finger nails to pull the tick off and I flushed it down the toilet.
You maybe thinking this story sounds familiar to one of your own, and wondering what is so embarrassing about it because that is what anyone would do. As a person who had been diagnosed with a tick borne disease and suffered substantially, I should and do know better.
1st Bathing after being outdoors will not remove ticks. You might have a better chance of finding them, but they don't come off just because you bathed.
2nd Ticks should NEVER EVER be removed with your finger nails.
3rd Save your ticks by putting them in a zipper bag and freezing them. DO NOT flush them down the toilet.
Most likely this spring/summer you are going to come face to face with an attached tick either on you, someone you know, or your pet. Proper removal is imperative so please read and re-read the following information.
Identifying Ticks -
photo from Center for Disease Control and Prevention
This diagram is just to give you an idea of what you are looking for and the variation in size. If you would like to view a more detailed list of ticks and information on the kinds go to TickEncounter Resource Center (I am constantly using this site because it has so much information).
Tool for Removing Ticks - Please do NOT use your finger nails! Pointed tweezers is what you need (not household tweezers because they increase the chance of tearing the body). I highly suggest you purchase a pair for at home and a pair to go on your key ring or easily take hiking. You can pick them up at most pharmacies or beauty departments of local stores such as Target and Walmart. To save you the hassle here is a link to buy a pair of Sally Hanson Tweezers. Finding the key chain pointy tweezers may be more difficult so here is a link for Uncle Bill's Silver Gripper Key Chain Tweezers.
Removing the Tick- When you go to remove a tick clean the area with rubbing alcohol, take your pointy tweezers and grab the tick as close to the tick's head or your skin as possible. Use a slow and steady motion to pull straight up and out. DO NOT TWIST!!! Wipe area with rubbing alcohol again. Place the tick in a plastic zipper bag and freeze. You will want to keep the tick in case you begin to experience symptoms. If you think the tick has been on your body for at least 36 hours watch closely for symptoms and be prepared to visit your doctor. Watch this video to see how proper tick removal is done.
**Do't forget that Tick Prevention is essential!
***Pets need to be checked thoroughly for ticks and protected as well. Please check with your local vet about protecting your pet and look into purchasing a pet tick remover.
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