If you’ve been bitten by a tick and it’s still attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible to reduce your risk of picking up illnesses such as Lyme disease.

To remove a tick:

• Use a tick removal tool (available from pharmacies, pet shops or vets) or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.
• Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible to ensure the tick’s mouth isn’t left in the skin.
• Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.
• Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards, and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

Don’t use a lit cigarette end, a match head or substances such as alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

Take a note of the date and time you think you were bitten. If you need to get medical help in the future this will help your clinician to give appropriate treatment.

Also of interest: www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/insect-bites-and-stings

Source: www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guide-tick-bites