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The sooner you remove a tick, the less risk there is of it passing on the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Here's what to do:¹

• Check your body carefully. Young ticks (called nymphs) are about the size of a poppy seed, so they are difficult to spot. These are the types of ticks most likely to give you an infection. Adult ticks are easier to spot, as they are bigger, and may reach the size of a coffee bean during their feed.
• Grip the tick with fine-tipped tweezers as close to your skin as possible. This makes it less likely you will crush the tick's body, which might release bacteria.
• Pull the tick gently but firmly off your skin.

Wipe the area with an antiseptic.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.