Tick Removal
What To Do If a Tick Bites You
If a tick is attached to your skin, don’t panic. Keep calm and remove it properly and promptly using a fine-pointed tweezers or special tick-removal tweezers. By removing the tick as soon as you can, you reduce the chance that you, a family member or pet will get infected. Click here to learn more about ticks and the pathogens they carry.
THE PROPER TICK REMOVAL TECHNIQUE
- Using fine-pointed tweezers, grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as close to the skin as possible.
- Gently pull the tick straight out with steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze, twist or jerk the tick. (Watch this video for removal tips.)
- Do not touch the tick with your bare hands.
- Wash your hands with soap & water, apply rubbing alcohol or antiseptic to bite site.
- Place tick in a zippered plastic bag with a moist cotton ball and bring it to your local health department or private lab for testing.
- If a rash appears, take a photo, write down any symptoms you may have and call/visit your doctor immediately.
Video Source and Creators: Kathryn Rochon, Ph.D., The University of Manitoba
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