What should I do if I have found a tick? - briefly
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and wash hands. Observe the area for several weeks for rash, fever, or other symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop.
What should I do if I have found a tick? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on the skin, immediate removal is essential.
First, gather a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the parasite as close to the surface of the skin as possible, avoiding compression of its body. Apply steady, upward pressure to extract the entire organism without twisting or jerking.
After extraction, cleanse the bite site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container; retain it for possible laboratory identification if symptoms develop.
Observation should continue for at least three weeks. Look for erythema migrans, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain. If any of these signs appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.
In regions where the black‑legged tick «Ixodes scapularis» is prevalent, prophylactic doxycycline may be recommended if removal occurs within 72 hours and the tick is estimated to have been attached for more than 36 hours. The decision rests with a healthcare professional, who will consider local infection rates and individual risk factors.
Record the date of discovery, location of the bite, and any subsequent symptoms. This documentation aids clinicians in diagnosing tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis.
Regularly inspect clothing and skin after outdoor activities in wooded or grassy areas. Use repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothing to reduce the likelihood of attachment.
By following these steps, the risk of infection is minimized and appropriate medical care can be obtained if necessary.