Tick Removal

To remove a tick:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers. If you don't have tweezers, put on gloves or cover your hands with tissue paper, and then use your fingers. Do not handle the tick with bare hands.
  • Grab the tick as close to its mouth (the part that is stuck in your skin) as you can. The body of the tick will be above your skin.
  • Do not grab the tick around its swollen belly. You might push infected fluid from the tick into your body if you squeeze it.
  • Pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of your skin. Do not twist the tick. This may break off the tick's body and leave the head in your skin.
  • If part of the tick stays in the skin, leave it alone. It will likely come out on its own in a few days.
• Wash the bite area with soap and water. Then wash your hands.