What should you do if a tick is crawling on you? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward; then disinfect the bite site and watch for any rash or fever.
What should you do if a tick is crawling on you? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on the skin, immediate removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps precisely:
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- After extraction, clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or an alcohol pad.
- Disinfect the tick in a sealed container with alcohol if it will be sent for testing; otherwise, place it in a zip‑lock bag and discard it safely.
- Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or a rash over the next several weeks. If any symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Additional recommendations:
- Keep clothing tucked in and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin when entering tick‑infested areas.
- Conduct a full‑body inspection after outdoor activities, paying special attention to scalp, armpits, groin, and behind knees.
- Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill any unattached ticks.
Rapid, correct removal and vigilant post‑exposure observation are essential for preventing tick‑borne illnesses.