NYMC > Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center > Tick Bite First Aid

What to do if you have been bitten by a tick:

1. If it is still attached, remove it with a pair of tweezers

• Grasp the mouthparts with tweezers as close as possible to the attachment (skin) site
• Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick
• Do not attempt to remove ticks by using petroleum jelly, lit cigarettes or other home remedies.

2. Disinfect the area of the bite and wash hands

3. Save the tick and consider visiting the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center for evaluation and possible preventive antibiotic therapy.

4. Note the date, time, and area of your body where you were bitten.

5. If you develop symptoms, (i.e. rash fever, etc.), come to the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center with your tick to be evaluated for treatment or go to your local physician or emergency room.

Source: Lyme disease Fact Sheet, New York State Dept. of Health