Ixodes Holocyclus - Tick Removal

Tick Removal

Debate around the best method of tick removal is based around two main concerns. The first is that the method of removal could cause further injection of noxious substances (allergens, paralysing toxins and infectious micro-organisms). The second is that the method may leave the 'head' (really just the tick's mouthparts) embedded in the skin.

The tick's salivary glands and gut contents are together the main source of the noxious substances and these are located in the main body of the tick. It is thought that any irritation of the tick might cause it to either inject saliva or regurgitate gut contents or that any compression the body of the tick might squeeze saliva and gut contents into the host.

Specifically, application of methylated spirit, nail polish remover, turpentine or ti-tree oil is thought to irritate the tick and make it inject more of the noxious substances. Spreading butter or oil over the tick is no longer recommended either. Application of pyrethrin (or pyrethroid) insecticides has been suggested 'as a narcotic and a toxicant, which prevents the tick from injecting its saliva' but with this method the tick may remain physically attached for 24 hrs before it drops off dead.

Leaving the mouthparts (incorrectly referred to as 'the head') embedded in the skin is usually of lesser concern. If left embedded the mouthparts cause a foreign body reaction and are usually eventually sloughed like a splinter. It has been noted that when Ixodes holocyclus is forcibly extracted the feeding tube (the hypostome) is usually damaged which suggests that part of its tip remains embedded in the skin.

In sensitive areas of the body (e.g. eyelids) touching the tick can make its presence become suddenly painful.

Precautionary principles for tick removal:

• If a person has difficulty removing a tick, or has reason to be concerned about allergic reactions, it is best to seek professional medical attention. The process of removing ticks in humans has been associated with anaphylactic reactions and so it is best to have appropriate medical supplies (oxygen, adrenaline) ready.
• Instruct children to seek adult help for proper tick removal
• Wear thin disposable gloves if available
• Avoid unnecessary touching of the tick's body
• Grasp the tick's mouthparts as close to the skin as possible
• Grasp very firmly (because the long feeding tube of Ixodes holocyclus is deeply embedded and has reverse barbs)
• After removal disinfect the bite site (and the tick removal instrument)
• Larval ticks ('grass ticks' or 'seed ticks') are usually present in large numbers - it is considered safe to soak for 30 minutes in a bath to which 1 cup of bicarb soda has been added, then scrape off the dead larvae.
• Save the tick in a small airtight container with moist paper or a leaf or blade of grass. Label with the date removed and the locality where the tick was acquired. The tick can be identified later if you develop illness, especially in the following 4 weeks. (Note that an engorged female will deposit eggs within a few weeks and these will hatch into thousands of larvae which can escape the container if not properly sealed.)
• Look for more ticks (both on humans and on pets)

Methods of grasping the tick:

• A pair of fine curved tweezers (preferably angled). The traditional method used in humans.
• Loop of thread. This can sometimes be difficult to place without disturbing the tick.
• A specialised tick removal tool. Tools include tick hooks, tick scoops, tick tweezers, and tick loops. These are usually inexpensive and highly recommended in areas where ticks are prevalent.