Addendum:Tick Removal Methods (This, and the following page are not part of Dr. Burrascano s paper, but are added as additional information in respect to removing ticks) It is critical to understand that one should never perform any type of traumatic removal such as: hot match or needle, chemicals, smothering with petroleum jelly, crushing, scraping off with a knife or finger nails. When such methods are used, they may (most likely) will cause the tick to regurgitate the contents of it s mid-gut. The infectious agent of Lyme Disease (borrelia, burgdorferi) resides in the tick s mid-gut. If one has a recent attachment, it isn t likely that the bacteria has been transferred, possibly before 24-36 hours - if one doesn t crush the tick by lying/sitting on it, scratching at it as an itch, and such (some disagree about how long it takes before the bacteria is transferred, and it may vary with the type of tick). Ticks have mouth parts that are like two probes with backward facing barbs that allow it to hang on tenacioulsy. While it s saliva has a component that desensitizes the area around the attachment site, it also has a more insidious agent that turns down or off the body s natural immune respone in the local area of the attachment. Care must be taken to remove the tick in such a way that the mouth parts are not torn off and left in the skin. If this occurs, head to a clinic or emergency room to have them removed. It is important to cleanse the area with an antiseptic. Even if the tick wasn t infected with borrelia or coinfections, it has left the door open to any opportunistic bacteria, seeing that the skin is desensitized and the immune system is compromised in the local area of the attachment. Thoroughly wash hands immediately after removing the tick. Follow Dr. Burrascano s recommendations for saving/testing the tick. Do not listen to any Doctor, Nurse, or pseudo-medical professional who tells you that you can t get it here. Lyme and associated diseases carried by ticks is a spreading epicemic (Stated so by CDC). The following demonstrates three methods to remove attached ticks: Fine-point Tweezers Method: This method can be performed by oneself as long as the tick is in an accessible location. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Grip firmly but gently not so hard as to crush it. Pull gently and steadily straight up until the tick lets go. Do not pull sideways, wiggle, twist, or yank suddenly Addendum to Burrascano Guide: Tick Removal Methods 1 of 2
Straw & Thread Method: It isn t likely that a person could perform this alone, and one would require assistance. Simple Loop Drinking Straw 1 Draw Loop Snug around the tick 2 Place the end of a drinking straw over the tick. Tie a simple, single loop with the thread and drop the loop over the straw. Draw the loop snug around the tick beneath the end of the straw (while pressing down & tilting the straw slightly to allow the thread to go under) As with the tweezers method, Pull thread ends gently and steadily straight up until the tick lets go. Do not pull sideways, wiggle, twist, or yank suddenly Intradermal Blister Method Emergency Room or Clinic: This definitely requires a medical professional. A mixture of Xylocaine with Adrenaline is administered intradermally just underneath the tick. This generates a blister at the site, and ticks will release their grip due to the lack of blood to feed on. Because of "positive pressure" from the temporary swelling, the tick will back out on its own in a short time. Addendum to Burrascano Guide: Tick Removal Methods 2 of 2