What to do if bitten by a tick: what actions? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, then clean the bite area with alcohol or iodine. Monitor the site for several weeks and seek medical advice if fever, rash, or flu‑like symptoms develop.
What to do if bitten by a tick: what actions? - in detail
If a tick attaches to the skin, immediate removal is essential. Grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can release infectious fluids. After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed, then disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol.
Next, clean the surrounding skin with mild soap and water. Observe the wound for signs of infection—redness, swelling, or pus—and record the date of the bite for future reference.
Monitor the individual for at least four weeks, watching for early symptoms of tick‑borne diseases: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, rash (often expanding and resembling a “bull’s‑eye”), or joint pain. If any of these manifestations appear, seek medical evaluation promptly. Provide the healthcare professional with the bite date, geographic location, and, if available, the tick species.
For high‑risk exposures (e.g., prolonged outdoor activity in endemic areas, removal of a large engorged tick, or bites from nymphs), consider prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Current guidelines recommend a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, weight‑adjusted for children) when the following criteria are met:
- Tick identified as a known vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme disease bacterium).
- Bite occurred within 72 hours.
- Local infection rates exceed 20 % for the species.
- No contraindication to doxycycline exists.
Document the treatment decision, dosage, and timing. If doxycycline is unsuitable (e.g., pregnancy, allergy), discuss alternative regimens with a physician.
Finally, educate all participants in outdoor activities about preventive measures: wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, conduct thorough body checks after exposure, and treat clothing with permethrin. Consistent application of these practices reduces the likelihood of future bites and associated health risks.