Wash your hands
Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
Sterilize a fine-tipped tweezers or a sterile needle
If a tick head is visible, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers
Pull straight out slowly and steadily
If the head is embedded and cannot be grasped, gently lift it out with the sterile needle
Do not squeeze, twist, dig deeply, or use heat, petroleum jelly, or chemicals
Clean the area again after removal
Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment
Wash your hands again
Monitor the area for redness, swelling, rash, or signs of infection
Seek medical care if you cannot remove it, if the area worsens, or if symptoms develop