What should be done when a tick is found on a person? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure; clean the bite area with antiseptic afterward. Monitor the site for several weeks and seek medical advice if rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms appear.
What should be done when a tick is found on a person? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on an individual, immediate removal is essential. Use fine‑tipped tweezers, grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible, and apply steady upward pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can release infectious fluids.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Disinfect the tweezers before storing or discarding them. Record the following details: date and time of discovery, anatomical location, estimated size, and, if identifiable, the tick’s developmental stage.
Monitor the person for at least four weeks. Seek medical evaluation if any of the following appear:
- Fever exceeding 38 °C
- Redness expanding from the bite site
- A bull’s‑eye rash (erythema migrans)
- Flu‑like symptoms, joint pain, or fatigue
High‑risk exposures—such as attachment in the scalp, removal after 36 hours, or residence in Lyme‑endemic areas—may warrant a single dose of doxycycline as prophylaxis, administered under professional guidance.
Prevent future incidents by applying EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and performing thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly treat pets and domestic environments to reduce tick populations.