Tick removal

Indications

1. Tick attachment to the skin

Contraindications

1. None

Equipment

1. Gloves
2. Fine-toothed forceps

Technique

1. Grasp tick as close to skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even traction.
2. Take care not to squeeze or crush the tick body because this may expel infective agents.
3. Do not twist or jerk the tick in order to prevent the mouth parts from breaking off during extraction.
4. If mouth parts are left behind after removal of the body, they may be removed with tweezers.
5. If one is still unable to remove the mouth parts, excision under local anesthesia will be needed to prevent local infection
6. Once tick is removed wash the bite area with soap and water or antiseptic.

Complications/Follow-up

1. Monitor for signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease
2. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis or serologic testing is not recommended
3. There is potential for secondary infections

Source

1. Adapted from Roberts & Hedges, Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, 5th ed.