To think this is a tick? (Urgent!!)

[britneyisfree]

Please help, I'm not from the country so I know nothing about stuff like this.

My DD went for a walk with nursery and has come home with this on her leg. She says it hurts.

Don't smother.
It needs to be pulled out firmly but without squashing the stomach.
If you are unsure go to a pharmacist.
Keep the tick. I put mine in a jar with the date. If your child gets symptoms of Lyme's you can take the tick in with you.
Keep a look on out every day for signs of Lyme's (red ring, flu symptoms, there's more look them up)
If you see symptoms from now to 30 days go to the doctor immediately and mention the tick.
Lyme's is not to be messed around with so don't feel shy to see the doctor if you think there is anything untoward with your child in the next few days.

Yes, looks like a tick.
If you have a local petshop go and buy a tick twister - instant safe removal.

Just go to a pharmacy, they will help.

lots of conflicting and incorrect advice on this thread!

it’s not ok for pets either, for anyone reading. Same risk to leaving mouthparts (not legs!) as for humans.

Watch a removal video on YouTube.
If you're near a vet, they usually sell tick removers. If not, use tweezers but watch a video for the technique first.
It's not difficult and don't panic. I took one off DD when she was little.

Holy cow. Doing it incorrectly risks Lyme disease. Don’t make random suggestions on medical matters

There's some awful advice on this thread!

Don't smother it. The tick will "panic" and regurgitate back into your bloodstream which increases the chance of infection and disease.

You need a tick removal tool - put it around the tick (under the bump that's sticking out) and twist gently until it pops out. Make sure the head is still attached - either keep the tick in the freezer or kill it and put it in the outside bin.

Then just clean/wash the bite area as normal, and keep an eye out for any signs of Lyme Disease. If you see any of the signs - especially a bullseye rash, you need to see a doctor ASAP.

I don’t THINK you should provide unsubstantiated bullshit on threads asking for medical advice

Don’t smother!!! These need twisting out to remove mouthparts or they will expel the stomach contents into the host (you).

Chemists/vets have the tick removal tool, it’s easy to do. Just don’t pull them out or put anything on them PLEASE!!!

Pull it out quickly ANTI clockwise, put it on a tissue and if it walks you have got it’s legs

My last message was for @OytheBumbler

Right- thanks, I WON'T smother it!!!

It's changed colour now so I think it is getting some blood

Strike a match, let the tip go red then blow it out. Press the glowing bit on the tick

Pull it out quickly ANTI clockwise, put it on a tissue and if it walks you have got it’s legs

the legs don’t matter, they aren’t embedded in the skin.

seriously o/p, ditch mumsnet and go find professional advice.

Might sound mad but if you cant get to a walk in centre maybe try a vets. Don't try to remove it yourself if you leave any of it behind you are at increased risk of Lyme disease.

I called the doctor but they can't help till tomorrow. I don't want to leave it overnight so should I take her to the chemist (I'm guessing it would be over the top to go to A&E?!)

Don't do this either for the same reasons as you don't smother it - you'll distress it, encouraging it to regurgitate its stomach contents back into the host, which greatly increases the chances of getting Lyme from it

Depending where you are, walk in centres may just use tweezers too

Go to a chemist, an our door store or a pet place or even ring a vets and ask to borrow or buy a tick remover.
Do not do some of the terrible advice on here with matches, Vaseline and what not

Either pharmacy or get a tick removal tool from a vet/pet shop

A pharmacist will be able to help, yes :)

Fuck me there is some awful advice on this that thread!

OP, go to a vet, pharmacy or doctor, or ask a local neighbour for a tick remover and use that.

Do not do anything with vaseline, matches or tweezers.

There is no need to panic. Lymes disease is not a certainty, but if you look up the symptoms and keep an eye out for them you would be sensible.

Do NOT do this, FFS.

The only correct way to remove a tick is to use a proper tick removal tool and twist the tick out gently and carefully. If you're rough or use something that will hurt or choke the tick, you vastly increase the risk of disease and infection.

LOL deffo not going to put a hot match on my two year old, tick or no tick!!

To be honest I'd go to a pet shop first, as they're most likely to have the "tick twister" removal gadget that has never failed me. Then try a chemist/pharmacy.

This is what you need to look for.