What should be done if you have acquired a tick?

What should be done if you have acquired a tick? - briefly

Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite area. Monitor for fever, rash, or flu‑like symptoms for several weeks and seek medical care if any develop.

What should be done if you have acquired a tick? - in detail

If a tick is found attached to the skin, act promptly.

1. Removal

   • Use fine‑pointed tweezers.
   • Grasp the tick as close to the epidermis as possible.
   • Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid squeezing or twisting the body.
   • Release the tick into a sealed container for later identification, if needed.
   • Disinfect the bite site with alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.

2. Post‑removal care

   • Wash hands thoroughly.
   • Observe the wound for redness, swelling, or a expanding rash (erythema migrans).
   • Record the date of removal; symptoms may appear up to 30 days later.

3. Medical evaluation

   • Seek professional care if the tick remained attached for more than 24 hours, if the species is known to transmit disease (e.g., Ixodes scapularis), or if any of the following develop: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a bull’s‑eye rash.
   • Inform the clinician of the tick’s location, duration of attachment, and any recent travel to endemic regions.

4. Prophylactic antibiotic

   • In areas with high incidence of Lyme disease, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, 4 mg/kg for children ≥8 years) may be prescribed within 72 hours of removal, provided the tick was attached ≥36 hours and the estimated infection risk exceeds 20 %.

5. Documentation

   • Preserve the tick in a sealed tube with a damp cotton ball if identification is required for diagnosis or epidemiological reporting.

6. Prevention for future exposure

   • Apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
   • Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and light-colored clothing to facilitate visual inspection.
   • Perform full‑body tick checks after outdoor activities; remove any attached ticks immediately.

Following these steps reduces the likelihood of pathogen transmission and ensures timely treatment if infection occurs.