Idea Exchange: A trick for removing ticks

Many clients bring their pets in after unsuccessfully trying to remove embedded ticks. A typical appearance is a red circle with an inner white area containing part of the tick, which appears as a black component. Using forceps to remove it is difficult. We have found that numbing the area with a topical anesthetic and then gently scraping it with a No. 15 surgical blade is a quick and painless method that removes all the embedded components. Apply a little antibiotic ointment, and the area heals well. Follow-up advice regarding proper tick control and tick disease prevention completes the office visit.

Dr. Harvey Yenkinson

Boothwyn, Pa.