What to do if a tick is engorged? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite area. Monitor the site for rash or fever over the next few weeks and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
What to do if a tick is engorged? - in detail
When a tick has expanded after feeding, immediate removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with a label noting the date and location of the bite; this aids future identification if illness develops.
Clean the bite area and your hands with an alcohol swab or soap and water. Apply a mild antiseptic to the site. Observe the wound for several days; redness, swelling, or a rash may indicate infection. If any of the following occur, seek medical evaluation promptly: fever, flu‑like symptoms, expanding redness, or a bullseye rash. Inform the clinician about the tick’s removal date and, if possible, provide the preserved specimen for laboratory testing.
For individuals at higher risk—such as those with compromised immune systems, pregnant persons, or residents of areas endemic for Lyme disease—consider prophylactic antibiotics within 72 hours of removal, following current clinical guidelines. Document the incident in a personal health record, noting the type of tick (if known), duration of attachment, and any subsequent symptoms.
Maintain preventive measures to avoid future encounters: wear long sleeves and pants in tick‑infested habitats, treat clothing with permethrin, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly inspect pets and treat them with veterinary‑approved tick control products, as they can transport engorged ticks into homes.