What to do if bitten by a tick? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the area and monitor for rash or fever, seeking medical attention if symptoms develop.
What to do if bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a tick attaches to the skin, act promptly.
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Locate and grasp – Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool. Position the tip as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body.
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Extract steadily – Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
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Disinfect the site – Apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol to the bite area and to the tweezers after removal.
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Preserve the specimen – Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball. Label with date and location; this aids diagnosis if symptoms develop.
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Monitor for symptoms – Over the next 30 days, watch for fever, rash (especially a bull’s‑eye pattern), fatigue, joint pain, or headache. Record any changes.
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Seek medical evaluation – Contact a healthcare professional if:
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Consider prophylactic treatment – In regions where Lyme disease prevalence exceeds 20 % and the tick was removed within 72 hours, a single dose of doxycycline may be recommended; only a clinician can prescribe this.
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Document exposure – Note outdoor activities, habitat type, and protective clothing used. This information supports accurate risk assessment.
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Prevent future bites – Wear long sleeves and trousers, treat clothing with permethrin, use EPA‑approved repellents on skin, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor exposure.
Timely removal, proper wound care, and vigilant observation constitute the core response to a tick bite and reduce the likelihood of infection.