How do I Remove an Australian Tick?

The Australian paralysis tick (found in southeastern coastal temperate regions) secretes a neurotoxin in its saliva. A bite from this particular tick can cause a progressive and sometimes fatal paralysis. Grass ticks are also found in Australia and can be a real nuisance, causing profound itching and swelling. The technique to remove these ticks (and others, too), is important to ensure more venom does not enter the human, and to help prevent infection.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-pointed tweezers

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Instructions

• 1

  Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-pointed tweezers.

• 2

  Pull the tick out with steady but gentle pressure. Do not grab the sac of the tick and pull. You risk leaving the torso and head of the tick stuck, which may lead to infection.

• 3

  Wait for the tick to relax its grip. There are numerous suggestions on how to first get the tick to relax in order to make it easier to pull out. Putting insecticide on the tick, tea-tree oil or even touching it with a lighted match are not proven techniques, but sometimes used. Coating the tick with petroleum jelly may asphyxiate the tick. Soaking the tick with alcohol is another technique. Always keep the patient in mind when trying these suggestions. If any adverse reactions occur, stop immediately and seek medical attention.