What should be done if bitten by a red tick? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible, pull straight out, then cleanse the bite area and watch for fever, rash, or flu‑like symptoms, seeking medical attention if any appear.
What should be done if bitten by a red tick? - in detail
If a red tick attaches to the skin, remove it promptly. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. After extraction, disinfect the bite area with alcohol or iodine.
Following removal, clean the site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic. Observe the wound for at least two weeks, noting any of the following signs:
- Fever, chills, or headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rash resembling a bull’s‑eye (target lesion)
- Fatigue or nausea
If any symptom appears, seek medical attention without delay. A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline for early Lyme disease prophylaxis, especially if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours and local infection rates are high. Even in the absence of symptoms, a physician may recommend a follow‑up examination to rule out other tick‑borne illnesses.
Document the date of the bite, the approximate duration of attachment, and the geographic location where the tick was encountered. This information assists clinicians in assessing risk and determining appropriate treatment.