What should be done if a tick is found? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands; observe the area for several weeks and seek medical advice if a rash or fever develops.
What should be done if a tick is found? - in detail
If a tick is discovered attached to skin, remove it promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Apply steady, downward pressure to pull the mouthparts out in one motion; avoid twisting or squeezing the body.
- After removal, clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or an alcohol‑based sanitizer.
- Preserve the specimen in a sealed container with a damp cotton swab if identification or testing is required; otherwise, discard it safely.
Monitor the bite site for several weeks. Document any emerging symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain, and seek medical evaluation promptly if they appear. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics can prevent complications from tick‑borne infections.
If removal is difficult or the tick is embedded deep, consult a healthcare professional rather than attempting forceful extraction, which may increase the chance of leaving mouthparts behind.
Maintain preventive measures: wear long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested areas, treat clothing with permethrin, and perform regular body checks after outdoor activities.