What should be done if a tick bites a person? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and monitor for rash, fever, or other symptoms for several weeks.
What should be done if a tick bites a person? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, act without delay. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, avoiding crushing the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After extraction, place the specimen in a sealed container for identification if needed, then wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Following removal, observe the site for several weeks. Typical signs of infection include a red expanding rash, often resembling a target, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. Record the date of the bite, the tick’s estimated stage (larva, nymph, adult), and any emerging symptoms. Seek medical attention promptly if any of these manifestations appear, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, children, or pregnant women, as early treatment can prevent severe disease.
Medical care may involve prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline, initiated within 72 hours of symptom onset for optimal efficacy. In cases where the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, clinicians might recommend prophylactic therapy even if symptoms are absent, based on regional disease prevalence.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents. Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck clothing into socks, and apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin. Treat outdoor gear and pets with approved acaricides. Conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to scalp, armpits, groin, and behind knees; remove any ticks immediately using the method described above.