THIS is how to properly remove a tick (and what to do with it)
You know the drill -- you come home after being in a wooded or grassy area in the summer and check yourself for ticks (you DO do that, right?!).
Well, take it from Dr. Ian and check everywhere -- including behind your legs, ears and neck!
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And if you do happen to spot one, be sure to remove it *properly.*
HOW TO REMOVE A TICK
"Take the tweezers," the doctor explains, "put it flat on the skin and pull slowly up, because you want to get the head out."
"You don't want to snap it off," he stresses.
Stressed? Don't worry, we have a little handy cheat sheet for you!
WHAT TO DO WITH A TICK AFTER YOU REMOVE IT
Once you take it out, put it into a plastic baggie and store it in the freezer.
That way, Dr. Ian explains, if you start exhibiting symptoms that you may indicate Lyme disease -- like fatigue, muscle and joint aches, or a bull's eye rash, to name a few -- you can bring the tick with you to the doctor to make your diagnosis easier.
"The diagnosis is not always easy," Dr. Ian stresses. "It's very difficult."
So, try to make it easier on your doc and bring that tick along for examination!
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