What to do when bitten by a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick promptly using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward; then disinfect the bite site with antiseptic. Monitor the area for rash or fever and consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms appear.
What to do when bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a tick attaches to the skin, remove it promptly and follow these steps.
First, locate the tick’s head. Using fine‑pointed tweezers, grasp the parasite as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
After extraction, clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Disinfect the tweezers as well. Do not apply folk remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or chemicals, because they do not detach the tick and may increase infection risk.
Document the incident. Record the date, location, and estimated duration of attachment. If possible, keep the tick in a sealed container for identification, especially if the region is known for tick‑borne diseases.
Observe the site for the next several weeks. Watch for a red expanding rash (often described as a “bull’s‑eye”), fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or joint pain. These symptoms may indicate infection such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑transmitted illnesses.
If any of the above signs appear, seek medical evaluation immediately. Bring the tick specimen, if retained, and provide the documented details. Health professionals may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments based on the suspected pathogen and the time elapsed since the bite.
Finally, prevent future bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers in wooded or grassy areas, using EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and performing thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly treat pets and property with appropriate acaricides to reduce tick populations.