What should be done if a tick has just embedded? - briefly
«Grasp the attached tick with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and observe for rash or fever over the following weeks».
What should be done if a tick has just embedded? - in detail
When a tick attaches, swift removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; avoid crushing the body. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, applying steady, upward pressure. Pull straight without twisting to prevent the mouthparts from breaking off.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly. Preserve the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball if laboratory identification is required; otherwise, discard it safely.
Monitor the area for several weeks. If redness, swelling, or a rash resembling a target appears, seek medical evaluation promptly, mentioning the recent tick exposure.
Prevent further bites by wearing long sleeves, tucking pants into socks, and applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Inspect the body and clothing after outdoor activities, removing any attached ticks immediately following the outlined procedure.