A tick has entered the body, what should I do? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly with fine tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. Clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor for rash or fever for several weeks.
A tick has entered the body, what should I do? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, immediate removal is essential to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.
First, locate the tick’s head. Using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasp the parasite as close to the epidermis as possible. Apply steady, even pressure to pull the tick outward without twisting or crushing the body. After extraction, place the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol if laboratory identification is required; otherwise, discard it safely.
Next, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly. Observe the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
Monitoring should continue for at least four weeks. Promptly seek medical evaluation if any of the following appear:
- Expanding erythema, especially a target‑shaped rash («bull’s‑eye» lesion)
- Fever, chills, or flu‑like symptoms
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, or joint pain
- Unexplained fatigue or muscle aches
Healthcare professionals may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics when the tick is identified as a vector for «Borrelia burgdorferi» and removal occurred after more than 24 hours of attachment.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents:
- Apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
- Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and light‑colored garments to facilitate visual inspection.
- Conduct full‑body tick checks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to hairline, armpits, and groin.
- Shower within two hours of returning from a tick‑infested area to dislodge unattached specimens.
Adhering to these steps minimizes the probability of disease transmission and promotes rapid recovery if infection occurs.