tick removal: what works?

WHAT DOES NOT WORK (in inducing detachment):

--wheal of 1% lidocaine
--1% lido +epi
--1% chloroprocaine
--application of petroleum jelly
--fingernail polish
--70% isopropyl alcohol
--a hot kitchen match

WHAT DOES WORK:
--use of forceps or protected fingers

NICE IDEAS:

--grasp as close to the skin as possible with curved forceps, tweezers or protected fingers.

--Pull straight up with steady even pressure. If cement or mouthparts remain, then extract if that is practical.

--Disinfect bite site before and after tick removal.

--Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick, because its fluids (saliva, hemolymph, gut contents) may contain infectious organisms.


Submitted by J. Gullo.

Reference(s): lidocaine study, 5 common techniques article, aafp overview, emedicine overview, picture (CDC)