What should be done at home if a tick has bitten? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward; then clean the site with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and watch for rash, fever, or other symptoms for the next few weeks.
What should be done at home if a tick has bitten? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, remove it promptly with fine‑pointed tweezers. Grip the parasite as close to the surface of the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure, and avoid twisting or crushing the body. After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed, then discard it safely.
Clean the bite area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Pat the skin dry and keep the site uncovered to allow air circulation.
Observe the wound for the next several weeks. Record any of the following within 24‑48 hours: redness expanding beyond the bite, a bull’s‑eye rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. Note the date of removal and any changes in the lesion’s appearance.
Seek professional medical assessment if any of these signs appear, if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, or if the individual is pregnant, immunocompromised, or has a history of tick‑borne illness. A clinician may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or order laboratory tests.
To reduce future risk, wear long sleeves and trousers when in wooded or grassy areas, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, use EPA‑registered repellents on exposed skin, and perform full‑body checks after outdoor activities. Prompt removal and diligent monitoring remain the most effective home‑based measures after a tick bite.