What should you do if a tick gets under a person's skin? - briefly
«If a tick has penetrated the skin, grasp it with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the bite site as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure». «Clean the bite area with antiseptic, observe for rash or fever, and consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms appear».
What should you do if a tick gets under a person's skin? - in detail
When a tick penetrates the epidermis, immediate removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.
First, locate the parasite. Use a magnifying lens if necessary; the head and mouthparts are visible at the attachment site.
Second, gather appropriate tools. Recommended instruments include fine‑point tweezers, a tick‑removal hook, or a sterile needle. Avoid crushing the body, as this may expel infectious fluid.
Third, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the organism straight out, without twisting. If the mouthparts remain embedded, use a sterilized needle to lift them gently.
Fourth, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Clean the removal tools with alcohol and store them safely.
Fifth, preserve the specimen if testing is required. Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball, label with date and location, and keep refrigerated.
Sixth, monitor the site for signs of infection or rash over the following weeks. Seek medical evaluation if any of the following occur:
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Fever, chills, or flu‑like symptoms
- Development of a bullseye rash
Finally, implement preventive measures: wear long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested areas, apply EPA‑registered repellents, and conduct regular body checks after outdoor activity.