What should be done if a tick is found on the body? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward without twisting; then clean the site with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection. Store the tick in a sealed container for identification if symptoms develop.
What should be done if a tick is found on the body? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, act without delay. Grasp the parasite as close to the surface of the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Use fine‑point tweezers, a tick‑removal hook, or a specialized device; avoid crushing the body or squeezing the abdomen, which can release infectious fluids.
- Position tweezers near the head, not the body.
- Pull straight upward, maintaining a constant force.
- Do not twist, jerk, or roll the tick.
- After removal, place the specimen in a sealed container if identification or testing is needed.
Following extraction, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Wash hands thoroughly. Observe the area for several weeks, noting any redness, swelling, or a rash that expands outward from the bite. Record the date of removal and the tick’s appearance (size, life stage, engorgement) to aid healthcare providers if symptoms develop.
Seek professional evaluation if any of the following occur:
- Fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches within two weeks.
- Appearance of a bull’s‑eye rash (erythema migrans) or other skin changes.
- Uncertainty about complete removal or evidence of a retained mouthpart.
- Tick identified as a known vector for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other regional pathogens.
Prevent future encounters by wearing long sleeves and trousers in wooded or grassy areas, treating clothing with permethrin, and applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin. Perform regular body checks after outdoor activities, focusing on hidden regions such as the scalp, behind ears, underarms, and groin. Prompt removal and vigilant monitoring significantly reduce the risk of tick‑borne illness.