Tick removal: Difference between revisions
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==Indications== | ==Indications== | ||
#Tick attachment to the skin | #Tick attachment to the skin | ||
Contraindications | ==Contraindications== | ||
#None | #None | ||
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
#There is potential for secondary infections | #There is potential for secondary infections | ||
==Source== | ==Source== | ||
*Roberts & Hedges, Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, 5th ed. | |||
[[Category:Procedures]] | [[Category:Procedures]] | ||
Revision as of 11:54, 14 September 2011
Indications
- Tick attachment to the skin
Contraindications
- None
Equipment
- Gloves
- Fine-toothed forceps
Technique
- Grasp tick as close to skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even traction.
- Take care not to squeeze or crush the tick body because this may expel infective agents.
- Do not twist or jerk the tick in order to prevent the mouth parts from breaking off during extraction.
- If mouth parts are left behind after removal of the body, they may be removed with tweezers.
- If one is still unable to remove the mouth parts, excision under local anesthesia will be needed to prevent local infection
- Once tick is removed wash the bite area with soap and water or antiseptic.
Complications/Follow-up
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease
- Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis or serologic testing is not recommended
- There is potential for secondary infections
Source
- Roberts & Hedges, Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, 5th ed.