What should you do when a tick bites you? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Observe the area for several weeks and seek medical evaluation if a rash or fever develops.
What should you do when a tick bites you? - in detail
When a tick attaches to the skin, immediate action reduces the risk of disease transmission.
First, remove the parasite promptly. Use fine‑pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body, which can release infectious fluids.
Second, cleanse the bite area and hands with an antiseptic solution such as iodine or alcohol.
Third, preserve the tick for identification if symptoms develop later. Place it in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball, label with the date and location, and store in a refrigerator.
Fourth, monitor the site for signs of infection. Look for a red expanding rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain within the next 30 days. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation and provide the tick specimen if possible.
Fifth, consider prophylactic treatment. In regions where Lyme disease is prevalent and the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, a single dose of doxycycline may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Finally, implement preventive measures for future exposures: wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, apply EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and perform regular body checks after outdoor activities.