What should be done if a tick is inside the body? - briefly
If a tick has become lodged beneath the skin, use a magnifying lens to locate it, sterilize fine‑point forceps, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then cleanse the area with antiseptic and consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk of infection or disease transmission.
What should be done if a tick is inside the body? - in detail
If a tick penetrates the skin, act promptly to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
First, locate the attached parasite. Use a pair of fine‑tipped tweezers, positioning the tips as close to the skin as possible. Grasp the tick’s head or mouthparts, not the body, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, jerking, or squeezing the abdomen, which can release infectious fluids. After removal, clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or an alcohol swab.
Second, preserve the specimen for identification if needed. Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball, or store it in a sealed plastic bag. Label with date, location, and host information, then forward to a medical laboratory or local health department.
Third, monitor the site for signs of infection. Watch for redness, swelling, a rash, or flu‑like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue. If any of these appear within 30 days, seek medical evaluation. Inform the clinician about the recent tick exposure and provide the stored specimen if available.
Fourth, consider prophylactic treatment. Certain tick‑borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, may warrant a single dose of doxycycline if removal occurred within 72 hours of a known bite from an infected region. A healthcare professional will determine the need based on local disease prevalence and the tick’s species.
Finally, implement preventive measures to reduce future encounters: wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, use EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly treat pets with veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives and keep lawns trimmed.
By following these steps—accurate extraction, proper cleaning, specimen preservation, vigilant observation, and timely medical consultation—the risk associated with an embedded tick can be effectively managed.