U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Consumer magazine
July-August 2001
Table of Contents
If a tick is removed within 24 hours, the chances of it transmitting Lyme disease or other infections are much less. The illustrations (right) show how to remove a tick properly. Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull gently. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick. Clean the site of the bite, your hands and the tweezers with disinfectant. You may want to wear protective gloves.
You also may want to place the tick in a small container, like a pill container, and bring it to your vet for identification. Never use a burned match, petroleum jelly, or nail polish to try to remove ticks. These methods are ineffective.
-L.B.
Return to Main Article
Table of Contents
| How to Subscribe |
Back Issues | Editorial Questions
FDA/Office of Public Affairs
Web page created by tg 2001-JUN-26.