If I saw a tick on me, I would NOT attempt to remove it myself. I would go to the nearest medical facility and plead with them to inject lidocaine with epinephrine under it to get it to release (info. from Canada).
Hopefully, the tick would not ``spit'' Bb and co-infections into my system as it was removed. I would request the tick be tested for the presence of Bb.
Posted by metasequoia (Member # 9325) on :
That's it, thanks Carol.
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
I wouldnt because tick regurgitates to remove the glue it uses to weld itself to you.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Random thought...
Since we know the Western Fence Lizard produces a LOT of melatonin while it is feeding on insects at night and during that time, is covered in ticks that are INFECTED with Bb...
But when the ticks are full and fall off...they are no longer infected!
Dr. Lane surmised (boiled the lizard's blood) that it is an enzyme or other protein that destroys Bb.
I think he's right...I think it is melatonin which stimulates antioxidant release.
Now...we CANNOT TAKE THE AMT. OF MELATONIN NEC. TO KNOCK OFF THE INFECTION!!! But this IS being researched as an adjunt cancer therapy! Amazing...power of antioxidants.
But...what IF we could apply a local "patch"...like other topical drug patches...one that was doughnut shaped... and went AROUND the embedded tick? Follow? Tick in the middle...doughnut shaped melatonin patch surrounding it.
It is my understanding that the vast MAJORITY of the keets reside in the tick's gut, not in the saliva, and are transferred when it "vomits" into the host.
I wonder how ticks would react to "tasting" melatonin?
An animal-insect study would be interesting.
If we can find a way to PREVENT the transmission, this would be a HUGE step forward. In addition of course, to using DEET (if an adult, no-no for kids), wearing long pants tucked in socks, etc.
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