What to do if a tick is crawling? - briefly
Remove the tick immediately with fine‑point tweezers, gripping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Observe the area for several days and seek medical advice if redness, rash, or flu‑like symptoms develop.
What to do if a tick is crawling? - in detail
When a tick is actively moving on the skin, act promptly to prevent attachment and possible disease transmission.
First, isolate the area. Use a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, avoiding the body of the parasite. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, place the tick in a sealed container for identification or disposal.
Second, cleanse the bite site. Wash with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol. Dispose of the tweezers or tool in a closed container.
Third, document details. Record the date, location of exposure, and any visible characteristics of the tick (size, color, engorgement). This information aids health professionals if symptoms develop.
Fourth, monitor for signs of infection. Over the next 2–4 weeks, watch for rash, fever, fatigue, joint pain, or flu‑like symptoms. If any appear, seek medical evaluation promptly and provide the documented tick information.
Fifth, consider prophylactic treatment. In regions where Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses are prevalent, a clinician may prescribe a short course of antibiotics shortly after removal, especially if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours.
Finally, reduce future risk. Wear long sleeves and trousers in tick habitats, tuck clothing into socks, treat outdoor gear with permethrin, and perform regular body checks after outdoor activities. Prompt removal and thorough follow‑up dramatically lower the chance of disease transmission.