The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7452 p585
19 May 2007

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

PDF 50K, Acrobat Reader

• White paper (5)
• Dispensing errors
• Insect bites and stings
• Community contract
• Locum pharmacy
• Pseudoephedrine
• The Journal (2)

Letters to the Editor

Insect bites and stings

Simpler, more efficient way of tick removal

From Mrs J. M. Meakin, MRPharmS

I write in response to the continuing professional development article on insect bites and stings (PJ, 12 May, pp557–560). The article recommends the removal of ticks using blunt tweezers. There is a simpler, more efficient way of tick removal that minimises the risk of leaving head or mouth parts of the tick in the skin.

A specific device can be purchased from pharmacies in France or from veterinary practitioners in the UK. The device is usually supplied in a pack containing two sizes. It is plastic, in the shape of the letter “L” with a fine groove in the foot. One slides it along the skin to trap the tick in the groove. The upper “handle” is then turned anticlockwise and pulled, removing the tick in its entirety.

Living in Cumbria I acquire ticks from time to time and have found these simple devices invaluable and invariably successful.

Joan Meakin
Storth, Cumbria

Send your letter to The Editor

Previous Topic (Dispensing errors)
Next Topic (Community contract)