How to check if you have a tick? - briefly
Examine the body for a tiny, oval, dark-colored arachnid attached to the skin, often near hair or scalp. If found, grasp the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.
How to check if you have a tick? - in detail
To establish whether a tick is attached, follow a systematic visual and tactile examination. Begin with the most exposed skin areas—scalp, neck, armpits, groin, behind the knees, and the waistline. Use a mirror or enlist assistance to inspect hard‑to‑see regions. A tick appears as a small, rounded or oval lump, often resembling a seed or speck of dirt. It may be partially engorged, showing a darker, swollen abdomen.
If the bite site is not immediately visible, run fingertips over the skin. A live tick can be felt as a firm, slightly raised nodule that does not move when pressed. In contrast, a detached, dead tick may feel softer and may be mistaken for a papule.
When a potential tick is located, confirm its identity:
- Size: 1–3 mm for unfed larvae, up to 5–10 mm for nymphs, larger for adult females.
- Color: Light brown to reddish‑brown; engorged females turn dark gray or black.
- Body shape: Distinct head and mouthparts visible from the front; the body is not flattened like a flea.
If uncertainty remains, remove the organism with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, and compare it to reference images of ticks. A removed specimen should be examined for the characteristic scutum (hard shield) on the dorsal surface.
Document the finding: note the date, location on the body, estimated stage (larva, nymph, adult), and any symptoms such as rash or fever. This record assists healthcare providers in assessing the risk of tick‑borne diseases and determining whether prophylactic treatment is warranted.