Tick bites are a common occurrence for both pets and people, especially those who live and play near wooded areas. The small blood-sucking insects attach to the skin of their hosts and burrow, feeding and possibly spreading germs or releasing toxins that can cause disease. Ticks in the nymph stage account for 90 percent of all bite infections. Fortunately, infections are rare, and most nymph tick bites are harmless. But it is important to remove and kill the tick as quickly as possible to prevent possible infection.
Instructions
1. Grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible using small tweezers.
2. Pull the tick out firmly in a straight direction. Make sure not to twist the tick.
3. Put the dead or dying nymph tick in a sealed container. If the tick victim falls ill, a doctor might want to test the tick for disease later.
4. Wash the site of the wound with soap and water, and wash your hands. Cleanse the area with rubbing alcohol.
5. Watch for any sign of illness or infection. Ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease is most often found in ticks in the nymph stage. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash that appears at the site within a few days. Victims also experience flulike symptoms, joint pain and neurological problems if left untreated.
Tags: Lyme disease, nymph stage, nymph tick