Found a Lone Star Tick on Your Skin? Here’s What You Need to Know

Finding a lone star tick attached to your skin can be frightening, but removing it quickly and correctly can help reduce the risk of certain tick-borne illnesses.

These ticks are often recognized by the distinctive white spot on the backs of adult females. They are found primarily in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States.

Lone star ticks can transmit infections, including ehrlichiosis, and their bites have been associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an unusual allergy that can cause serious reactions after eating red meat or consuming other mammalian products.

If you discover an attached tick:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to your skin as possible.
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting or crushing it.
  • Clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly.
  • Never use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to force the tick to detach.

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