Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick.

• Grab the tick as close to its mouth (the part that is stuck in your skin) as you can.
• Slowly pull the tick straight out (don't twist or yank) until its mouth is released from your skin.
• Avoid pushing on or squeezing the tick's swollen abdomen. Squeezing it can push bacteria into your body.
• If the mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, remove them with tweezers or, if you are unable to remove them easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal. Talk to your health professional.
• Use soap and water to wash the area where the tick was attached.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as an expanding red rash and flu-like symptoms. Keep in mind that most tick bites do not lead to infection—deer ticks usually have to feed for at least 36 hours before they can pass on bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Here are some things you should not do:

• Do not try to suffocate the tick with petroleum jelly, nail polish, or rubbing alcohol. This may increase your risk of infection.
• Do not try to burn the tick with a cigarette or match while the tick is attached to your skin.