What should you do if you have extracted a tick from the body? - briefly
Clean the bite site with an antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. Monitor for rash, fever, or other symptoms and seek medical advice if any appear.
What should you do if you have extracted a tick from the body? - in detail
After pulling a tick from the skin, grasp the head or mouthparts with fine‑point tweezers as close to the surface as possible. Apply steady, even pressure and pull straight upward without twisting. Avoid squeezing the body, because crushing may release pathogens.
Immediately place the tick in a sealed container (e.g., a plastic bag) or wrap it in tape. This preserves the specimen for possible identification and testing. Do not wash the tick; preserve its integrity.
Disinfect the bite site and both hands with an alcohol swab, iodine solution, or soap and water. Allow the area to air‑dry.
Record the following details:
- Date of removal
- Approximate size of the tick (in millimeters)
- Anatomical location on the body
- Any visible engorgement
Observe the bite for the next 30 days. Seek medical attention if any of the following appear:
- Redness or a rash expanding beyond the bite site
- Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue
- A bull’s‑eye rash (erythema migrans) indicating Lyme disease
- Unexplained joint pain or neurological symptoms
Consult a healthcare professional promptly if you are uncertain about the tick’s species, if you belong to a high‑risk group (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant), or if symptoms develop. The clinician may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or order laboratory tests based on local disease prevalence.
Finally, reduce future exposure by: