<I>Department of Human Services</I><BR>Ticks range in size, depending on age and species, as shown on this human finger.

It’s that time of year again. Tick season.

Ticks, those spider-like creatures that embed their needle-like mouthes under your skin, and gorge themselves on your blood.

Finding a tick attached to you can be a creepy experience, but what’s the best way to remove ticks?

Medical professionals urge people not to take the critters off by burning them or smothering them with products like petroleum jelly or fingernail polish.

“Smothering ticks can make removal worse because they may regurgitate infectious fluids back into the sight,” said Lindsay Madden, family nurse practitioner in John Day. “If there is nothing smothering them, they should come right out.”

Experts suggest that you remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as you find them. Simply get the tweezers as close to the mouth of the tick as possible and slowly pull it out. Don’t squeeze the tick too hard, as this may also cause it to expel infectious fluids back into the bite. If mouth parts are left under the skin, don’t worry. Ticks can’t transmit fluids without the body, but the sooner the tick is removed the less likely that it will transmit diseases. Ticks need to feed for at least 12 hours before they can transmit diseases.

Wash the area with soapy water or apply rubbing alcohol and watch the area for a rash or signs of infection.

“Triple antibiotic ointment or Neosporin can also be applied to the area,” Madden suggested.

Madden said not to worry too much about the head if it is left under the skin. It will act like a sliver and eventually work its way out, or it may be removed the same way you would remove a sliver.

It’s important to check the area for infection or rash because such symptoms could indicate a bigger health problem, such as Lyme disease.

“If you get a rash or the area looks infected, see your doctor,” Madden said. “Symptoms can progress if left untreated.”

The rash commonly found on patients with Lyme disease is called erythema migrans and looks like a bulls-eye, red in the middle and decreasing in color as it flares out in a circular pattern. Other early symptoms include headache, fatigue and fever.

Doctors treat Lyme disease with antibiotics and the disease can be cured within a few weeks if treatment is given in the early stages.

“If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause more manifestations of neurological disease, affecting the central nervous system, heart and eyes,” Madden said.

Ticks come out in warm weather and are most active in the months of May through August.

“As soon as it gets warm, that’s when ticks come out,” said Madden.

Protect yourself from getting bitten by ticks by avoiding areas where ticks live. If you find yourself in areas where there may be ticks, wear protective clothing. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and long socks are suggested.

Use insect repellent that contains DEET. Other repellents, such as those containing permethrin may be used, but be sure to follow directions carefully and don’t spray it directly on skin.

Stay out of the bushes and try to walk in the middle of trails.

Check your body for ticks often. Areas such as the head, armpits and groin are places that ticks like to hide and feast.

Lyme disease isn’t the only disease ticks can transmit to humans. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and relapsing fever are two of the other illnesses caused by tick bites. Most symptoms of tick-borne diseases range from flu-like symptoms to rashes, and are usually treated with antibiotics.