Prevention

The way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid deer ticks. If you're walking in tick-infested areas, stay in the center of trails to avoid picking up ticks from overhanging grass and brush. You can also minimize skin exposure to ticks by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts that fit tightly at the ankles and wrists. As further safeguards, wear a hat, tuck pant legs into socks, and wear shoes that leave no part of the feet exposed. Light-colored clothing can help you detect dark-colored ticks.

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To repel ticks, you can spray your clothes with the insecticide permethrin, which is commonly found in lawn and garden stores. Insect repellents that contain a chemical called DEET can be applied to clothes or directly onto skin. Although highly effective, these repellents could be toxic, particularly when used repeatedly on the skin. Infants and children might be especially at risk for adverse reactions to DEET, so consult a pediatrician before applying.

You should always check for ticks after outdoor activity, such as a hike, in an area "at risk." Look for new freckles, since they could be deer ticks. Scrubbing off in the shower with a washcloth can also help dislodge some ticks. To remove ticks from your clothes, simply put them in the dryer for 15 minutes.

Ticks do not transfer infection immediately upon attachment. In fact, infection has been shown not to occur for 24 hours. Newly attached ticks can be easily removed before they transmit the infection.

The best way to remove a tick from your skin is by doing the following:
• Tug gently but firmly with blunt tweezers near the "head" of the tick until it releases its hold on the skin.
• To lessen the chance of contact with the bacterium, avoid crushing the tick's body or handling the tick with bare fingers.
• Swab the bite area thoroughly with an antiseptic to prevent bacterial infection.
• Do not use kerosene, petroleum jelly, or a cigarette butt.
• Do not squeeze the tick's body with your fingers or tweezers.

This section contains more information on:
Creating a tick-safe zone
Testing ticks