What should be done if you found a tick on yourself? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site, wash your hands, and note the removal time. Observe the area for several weeks and seek medical advice if a rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms develop.
What should be done if you found a tick on yourself? - in detail
If a tick attaches to your skin, act promptly. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; avoid pinching the body. Grip the parasite as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
After removal, clean the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic. Disinfect the tweezers before storing them. Preserve the tick in a sealed container with a label noting the date and location of exposure; this aids later identification if illness develops.
Monitor the area for several weeks. Typical signs of infection include a expanding red ring (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, headache, or joint pain. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly and inform the clinician about the recent tick encounter.
Prevent future bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, applying repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and checking the body and clothing after outdoor activities. Treat pets with appropriate tick control products, and keep lawns trimmed to reduce habitat.