TICK BITE: GETTING THOSE ELUSIVE CRITTERS OFF YOUR SKIN

MANHATTAN -- O.K. So despite your best efforts at awareness and avoidance, the elusive tick has burrowed it's head into your skin. So what's the best way to get it off?

"Don't think that petroleum jelly, heat, lighter fluid, alcohol or any other kind of irritant will make the tick back out," said Don Mock, Kansas State University extension specialist in medical and veterinary entomology. "Such methods only work if the tick is not securely attached."

And don't try unscrewing the tick or squeezing the tick's body, both methods could make the tick regurgitate under your skin and cause infection, Mock said.

"The best way to get a tick off is to place fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and grasp the tick's head," Mock said. "Then pull, gently and patiently, directly away from the skin surface. Never sideways and don't twist."

After the tick is removed, disinfect the bite site.

Put the tick in rubbing alcohol with the date and the victim's name on the container and save.

Mock recommends being especially watchful for the first 10 to 14 days after a tick bite.

"If signs of illness such as flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, lack of balance, skin rashes, muscle or joint pain, or nausea develop, see a physician," Mock said. "Take your tick along with you."

Remove a tick as soon as you see one, Mock said. "Ticks require several hours to become firmly attached. Disease is rarely transmitted within the first eight hours of attachment, seldom even within the first 18 hours."

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