From the Guidelines
To remove a deer tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. This method is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of prompt and proper tick removal to prevent the transmission of diseases like Lyme disease. The key steps to remove a deer tick include:
- Grasping the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible
- Pulling upward with steady, even pressure
- Avoiding twisting or jerking the tick, which can cause mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin
- Cleaning the bite area and hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water after removal
- Disposing of the live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet It is also important to note that folk remedies like nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat should be avoided, as they may cause the tick to release more saliva and increase infection risk 1. If a rash or fever develops within several weeks of removing a tick, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately, as prompt treatment can help prevent long-term complications 1.
From the Research
Removing a Deer Tick
- To remove a deer tick, it is essential to take prompt action, as the risk of Lyme disease transmission increases with the duration of the tick's attachment 2.
- The tick must feed for at least 36 hours for the transmission of the causative bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, to occur 2.
- After removing the tick, prophylactic antibiotic treatment can be effective in preventing Lyme disease, especially if administered promptly 3, 4, 5.
- A single dose of doxycycline (200 mg orally) can be used as prophylaxis in selected patients, with a relative risk reduction of 67% and a number-needed-to-treat of 51 3.
- The efficacy of prophylactic treatment decreases with delayed administration, emphasizing the importance of prompt action after tick removal 4.
Key Considerations
- The risk of Lyme disease transmission is higher in certain regions, such as the coastal Northeast, northwest California, and the Great Lakes region 2.
- Children and individuals spending extended time outdoors in wooded areas are also at increased risk 2.
- Prophylactic antibiotic treatment should be considered for individuals who have removed a deer tick, especially if they live in endemic areas or have a high risk of exposure 5, 6.