What should I do when there is a tick on the body? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite site with antiseptic and observe for rash or fever over the next several weeks.
What should I do when there is a tick on the body? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, act promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Remove the parasite with fine‑tipped tweezers. Grip the tick as close to the epidermis as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can cause mouthparts to remain embedded.
After extraction, clean the bite area with antiseptic solution or soap and water. Disinfect the tweezers with alcohol. Preserve the tick in a sealed container for identification if symptoms develop later.
Observe the site for several weeks. Note any of the following within 24 hours to 30 days: rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. Document the date of removal and any emerging signs.
Seek medical evaluation if any of the above symptoms appear, if the tick was attached for more than 48 hours, or if the tick species is known to carry pathogens. Professionals may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or conduct serologic testing.
Implement preventive measures: wear long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested areas, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, conduct full‑body checks after outdoor activity, and promptly shower to dislodge unattached ticks. Regularly maintain lawns and remove leaf litter to reduce habitat.