How can I prevent Lyme disease?

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Wear light-colored clothing that covers most of your skin when you go into the woods or an area overgrown with grass and bushes. This makes it easier to see and remove ticks from your clothing. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and wear pants instead of shorts. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots for added protection. Remember that ticks are usually found close to the ground, especially in moist, shaded areas.

Use an insect repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET. Apply DEET sparingly to skin according to directions on the label. Don't apply it to the face and hands of children and don't use it on infants younger than 2 months of age.

After you spend time outdoors, check your skin and your children's skin (body and scalp) carefully for ticks and rashes. Check your pets for ticks, also.

What do I do if I find a tick on my skin?

Don't panic. Using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick body as close to your skin as possible. Pull in a steady upward motion until the tick comes out. Be careful not to squeeze or twist the tick body. If any tick parts remain in the skin, you can leave them alone or carefully remove them the same way you would a splinter. Then apply an antiseptic to the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water.

After the tick is removed, watch the bite area and the rest of your skin over the few months. If you get a rash, see your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor that you were bitten by a tick and when it happened. Only people who get sick and/or get a rash after being bitten by a tick need antibiotics. If you are bitten by a tick and don't get sick or get a rash, you don't need antibiotics.