What should be done if a tick has embedded? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or crush the body. Disinfect the site, discard the tick safely, and observe the area for signs of infection such as rash or fever over the next few weeks.
What should be done if a tick has embedded? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, act promptly. Locate the parasite, then use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the epidermis as possible, applying steady upward pressure. Do not squeeze the body, twist, or jerk the instrument; a smooth motion minimizes the risk of mouth‑part retention.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as iodine or alcohol. Wash hands thoroughly. If identification of the tick species may be required—particularly after a bite in a high‑risk area—place the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball and label it, then forward it to a laboratory or health authority.
Observe the area for the next several weeks. Document any emerging erythema, expanding rash, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain. Should any of these symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly; early administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy can prevent disease progression.
To reduce future incidents, adopt protective measures: apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin; treat clothing with permethrin; wear long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks when traversing tick‑infested habitats; and conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.