Routine Care & Wellness

Removing an Embedded Tick

1. Use tweezers at the surface of the skin and grasp hold of the tick body.
2. Pull straight back with slow, steady pressure.
3. Do not crush head or mouth parts.
4. Clean site thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
5. Check wound for any retained pieces.
6. Apply dry band-aide as needed.
7. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
8. Mark date on calendar.
9. Clean area with soap and water daily.
10. Observe for signs or symptoms of skin infection.

Other things to consider:

• It is a good idea to make sure that your tetanus booster is up-to-date, especially if you suspect the tick has been embedded for more than 24 hours.
• Save the removed tick, either by placing it in a small jar, or attaching it to a piece of paper with cellophane tape. Deer ticks (especially nymphs) are easy to identify – and they are associated with Lyme Disease. However, many different kinds of ticks carry all kinds of infectious disease – so beware. If any symptoms develop, consult your health care provider and bring the tick for testing if necessary.
• If you are pregnant and an identified deer tick has been embedded in your skin for an extended length of time, your health care provider may consider starting antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure. This may not be routinely recommended unless you live in an area with a high incidence of Lyme Disease.
• Some people have a local reaction to the tick saliva that causes redness and itching in the area immediately around the bite. This is a temporary problem causing minor symptoms which resolve over 1 –2 days.