removal of tick

Last reviewed 01/2018

It is essential to remove ticks promptly. This is because neither the Lyme disease spirochaete, nor co-transmissable agents, are likely to be transmitted before the vector tick begins to engorge.

• it is usually the nymphal ioxode ticks that cause transmission of Lyme disease and not the larvae  nor the adult tick.
• evidence about a specific timeframe in which the tick should be removed is not clear but prompt removal is important (try and remove ticks within 24 hours of attaching)
• laboratory studies have reported that if the tick has been attached for less that 24-36 hours the risk of transmitting Lyme disease is low

 Proper technique should be used when removing the tick.

• before feeding, the ticks cut through the skin and insert a feeding tube, called a hypostome into the opening which contains denticles (backward facing projections) which anchor the tick on to the host.
• fine tipped forceps should be used when removing the tick,
• grasp the tick with forceps near its point of attachment and should be pulled steadily upwards with an even pressure
• twisting or jerking of the tick should not be done since it may break the mouthparts
• avoid squeezing or crushing the tick’s body as this could increase the risk of infection by prompting the tick to regurgitate saliva into the bite wound
• after removal of the tick, apply an antiseptic to the bite site
• specially designed tick removal kits are also available but more studies are needed before commercial tick removal tools can be recommended in humans

Other tick removal methods such as rubbing petroleum jelly, gasoline, fingernail polish, or 70% isopropyl alcohol over the tick’s mouthparts, or placing a lit match next to the tick is not recommended (1)

Reference:

• (1) Due C et al. Tick bite prevention and tick removal. BMJ. 2013;347:f7123
• (2) Public Health England. Tick Prevention and Removal