Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, ideally around the mouthparts rather than squeezing its swollen body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Avoid twisting or violently jerking the tick.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an appropriate antiseptic.
If part of the tick remains embedded in the skin and cannot easily be removed, avoid repeatedly digging into the skin. A healthcare professional can determine whether further treatment is necessary.
What You Should NOT Do
There are many traditional methods people recommend for removing ticks, but some can make the situation worse.
Do not deliberately burn the tick while it is attached.
Do not pour harsh chemicals, alcohol, petroleum jelly, or other substances onto an attached tick in an attempt to force it out.
These approaches can irritate the skin and may cause the tick to regurgitate material into the bite site.
The simplest approach is usually the most appropriate: use fine-tipped tweezers and remove the tick carefully and promptly.
Should You Keep the Tick?
If possible, some people choose to keep the removed tick in a sealed container or take a clear photograph of it.
This may help a healthcare professional identify it if symptoms later develop.
However, do not handle the tick with bare hands unnecessarily. Place it in a sealed container or bag and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.