Lyme disease

How to remove ticks

The sooner you remove a tick, the less risk there is of it passing on the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Here's what to do:

Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn about Lyme disease.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme (accessed on 13 August 2009).

Using tweezers, grip the tick close to your skin.

Check your body carefully. Young ticks (called nymphs) are about the size of a poppy seed, so they are difficult to spot. These are the types of ticks most likely to give you an infection. Adult ticks are easier to spot, as they are bigger, and may reach the size of a coffee bean during their feed.
Grip the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible. This makes it less likely you will crush the tick's body, which might release bacteria.
Pull the tick gently but firmly off your skin.

Wipe the area with an antiseptic.

Sources for the information on this page:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Learn about Lyme disease.Available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme (accessed on 13 August 2009).

This information was last updated on Oct 13, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2010. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.