what works and what to skip

Key Points:

• Tick season in the US runs from April to October, with tick bites leading to the highest ER visits in nearly a decade due to diseases like Lyme disease, alpha-gal allergy, and Powassan virus.
• Many viral tick removal hacks on social media, such as using heat, petroleum jelly, nail polish, or oils, are ineffective and can increase infection risk by causing ticks to release infected fluids into the skin.
• Experts recommend safely removing ticks with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily without twisting or squeezing to avoid leaving mouthparts behind or spreading infection.
• After removal, clean the area with rubbing alcohol, avoid crushing the tick, and monitor for 30 days for symptoms like a bullseye rash or fever, seeking medical attention promptly if they appear.
• Preventive measures include wearing EPA-registered insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing, along with thorough body checks, especially in hair-covered areas.