Causes And Risk Factors For Lyme Disease

Not Removing Ticks Properly

A tick bite, even one by an infected tick, does not necessarily mean an individual will catch Lyme disease. It generally takes a day or two for transmission of the disease to occur. So, the removal of ticks once they're discovered is an important step in preventing Lyme disease. However, not removing ticks properly can put you at risk for the condition. To safely remove a tick, use a sterile pair of tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible. Using steady pressure, pull the tick straight up from the skin to ensure all parts of the tick (especially the jaws) have been removed. Finally, treat the affected area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water to disinfect.