She hasn’t cut her hairs for 20years, even though her husband begged her to. Then, one day, she finally gave up and cut her hair! Better sit down before you see what this woman looks like today:

• Fine-tipped tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol or soap and water
• A small container or piece of tape
• Gloves (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Removal Instructions:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers.
   Grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward steadily and slowly.
   Do not twist, jerk, or squeeze the tick’s body. A steady, even pull is best.
3. Avoid crushing it.
   Crushing can release fluids that may contain pathogens.
4. After removal, clean the area thoroughly.
   Wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol.
5. Dispose of the tick safely.
   Do not crush it with bare fingers. Instead:
   • Place it in alcohol,
   • Seal it in a container,
   • Wrap it tightly in tape, or
   • Flush it down the toilet.

What Not to Do

There are many myths about tick removal. Avoid these methods:

• Do not use petroleum jelly.
• Do not burn it with a match.
• Do not use nail polish.
• Do not apply essential oils.
• Do not twist it aggressively.

These methods can stress the tick and potentially increase the risk of disease transmission.

Should You Save the Tick?

Many health professionals recommend saving the tick, especially if you’re unsure about its species.

Place it in a sealed container or tape it to a card with the date written down.

Why save it?

If you develop symptoms later, your doctor may want to identify the tick species. Knowing whether it was a lone star tick can help guide medical decisions.

After Removal: Monitor the Bite Site

Once the tick is gone, the next phase begins: observation.

For the next 30 days, monitor for:

• Rash
• Expanding redness
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

Some redness immediately after removal is normal. What you’re looking for is a spreading rash or systemic symptoms.

Understanding STARI and Other Conditions

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