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Tick removal

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lyme disease
Lyme disease
Deer and dog tick
Deer and dog tick

Definition    Return to top

Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that live in woods and fields. They attach to you as you brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Once on you, ticks often move to a warm, moist location, like the armpits, groin, and hair. They typically attach firmly to your skin and begin to draw blood for their meal. This process is painless and most people will not notice the bite.

Ticks can be fairly large -- about the size of a pencil eraser -- or so small that they are almost impossible to see. Ticks can cause a variety of health conditions ranging from harmless to serious.

See also: Tick bites

Symptoms    Return to top

While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can cause:

Watch for the symptoms of these diseases in the weeks following a tick bite:

Watch for a red spot or rash starting at the location of the bite.

The tick itself can cause paralysis in humans (called tick paralysis). Symptoms include:

DO NOT    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor if you have not been able to remove the entire tick. Also call if in the days following a tick bite you develop:

Call 911 if you have any signs of:

First Aid    Return to top

If a tick is attached to you, follow these steps to remove it:

  1. Grasp the tick close to its head or mouth with tweezers. Do not use your bare fingers. If needed, use a tissue or paper towel.
  2. Pull it straight out with a slow and steady motion. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick. Be careful not to leave the head embedded in the skin.
  3. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. Also wash your hands thoroughly.
  4. Save the tick in a jar and watch carefully for the next week or two for signs of Lyme disease.
  5. If all parts of the tick cannot be removed, get medical help. Bring the tick in the jar to your doctor's appointment.

Prevention    Return to top

After returning home:

References    Return to top

Bolgiano EB, Sexton J. Tick-borne illnesses. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2006:chap 132.

Update Date: 3/17/2009

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.