What should I do when I find a tick on my skin? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site, keep the tick for identification, and watch for rash or fever, seeking medical care if any symptoms appear.
What should I do when I find a tick on my skin? - in detail
If a tick is found attached to the skin, act promptly. Delay increases the risk of pathogen transmission.
Immediate actions
Removal procedure
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, holding the head and body together.
- Apply steady, even pressure to pull upward. Do not twist, jerk, or squeeze the body, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
- After extraction, examine the tick to ensure the entire organism has been removed. If any part remains, repeat the pulling motion gently.
Post‑removal care
- Disinfect the site again with antiseptic.
- Place the tick in a sealed container with a label (date, location) for possible identification; do not crush it.
- Record the date of removal for future reference.
Monitoring and medical consultation
- Observe the bite for signs of infection: redness, swelling, rash, or fever.
- Seek professional evaluation if any of the following occur within 30 days: expanding rash (especially a bull’s‑eye pattern), flu‑like symptoms, joint pain, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
- Individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, or those lacking up‑to‑date vaccinations should contact a healthcare provider immediately after removal.
Following these steps minimizes the chance of disease transmission and ensures proper wound management.