What should you do if you find a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick immediately with fine‑point tweezers, grasping the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Monitor the area for a few weeks and seek medical attention if a rash or fever appears.
What should you do if you find a tick? - in detail
If a tick attaches to your skin, act promptly. Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the parasite as close to the surface of the skin as possible. Apply steady upward pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can release infectious fluids. After removal, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol or a zip‑lock bag for identification if needed.
Clean the bite site and your hands with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic. Monitor the area for several weeks. Note any rash, fever, headache, or joint pain, especially within 2‑4 weeks after the bite; these may signal a tick‑borne illness and require medical evaluation.
For children or individuals unable to use tweezers, seek professional assistance from a healthcare provider. Do not use folk remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or chemicals to force the tick off; these methods increase the risk of pathogen transmission.
If the tick remains attached for more than 24 hours, or if you cannot remove it completely, contact a medical professional immediately. Provide details about the tick’s appearance, the location of the bite, and the date of exposure to facilitate appropriate testing and treatment.
Prevent future encounters by wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, treating clothing with permethrin, and performing full‑body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly inspect pets and their bedding, as they can transport ticks into the home.