Why must individuals avoid using older, unverified methods like burning an attached Wood Tick with a match?
Answer
The irritation may cause the tick to regurgitate its stomach contents
Improper removal techniques, such as applying heat with a match or attempting to smother the tick with substances like petroleum jelly, are strongly discouraged because they irritate the attached parasite. This irritation can prompt the tick to defensively regurgitate the contents of its stomach, which may include infectious fluids, directly into the bite wound. The safest procedure involves grasping the tick as close to the skin surface as possible using fine-tipped tweezers and pulling upward with steady, even pressure, ensuring the entire specimen, including mouthparts, is removed intact.
Related Questions
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