Tick Removal by David Herold

I once had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great because it works in those places where it is sometimes difficult to get in with tweezers; between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20); the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away.

This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Also, if you just pull a tick off, their heads sometimes break off and are left under the skin so this is much safer.

Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. Please pass this on. Everyone needs this helpful hint.

~Contributed by Bob & Gail Williams, Polar Pintabians