Are you curious about what to do if you find a tick on you? Finding a tick on you can be alarming, but taking the right steps can easily reduce your risk of infection from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Use fine-tipped tweezers, and avoid squeezing the body as you remove the tick slowly and carefully. Monitor for signs like a bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms, seeking treatment right away if necessary. Be proactive when spending time outdoors to lower your chances of tick bites.
Ticks are small and sneaky, so finding one on your body can leave you a bit frantic— especially as Lyme disease becomes more well-known, as well as other tick-borne illnesses.
Proper and swift action can reduce your risk of infection. Knowing how to remove the tick is key. That’s why this article provides you with effective steps on what to do if you find a tick on you.
Step 1: Remain Calm and Assess the Situation
Checking yourself for ticks is always important when you have been in areas where they are often found. If you discover a tick on your body, stay calm. After all, properly removing the tick is crucial, and panicking is likely going to interfere with your ability to do that.
So, take a deep breath and carefully examine the area where the tick is attached. Is it embedded in the skin? Or is it just crawling on the surface?
If the tick is simply walking on your skin, remove it using a tissue (or something similar) and flush it down the toilet. You can also put it in a sealed bag and dispose of it. Never just toss it in your garbage can or yard—especially at home.
If the tick has embedded itself, you will want to keep following these removal tips. It is important to note the type of tick, as some are more likely to carry Lyme disease than others. If you aren’t sure what it is, take a clear photo so that it can be identified later.
Step 2: Gather the Supplies For Removal
Because you want to ensure proper removal, there are a few things you will want to gather before you start, including:
- Tweezers (fine-tipped are best)
- Alcohol or antiseptic solution
- Sealed container or ziplock bag
- Soap and water
- Magnifying glass
Gloves are also recommended to help you avoid any direct contact with the tick, but they are not necessary.
Step 3: Removal of the Tick
Once you have everything you need, it is time to get down to business— and remove this tick fully and thoroughly. Are you ready?
Using your tweezers, grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. Be careful not to squeeze its body as this can push harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Then, very slowly, begin to slide the tick out. Do not twist or make any sudden movements as it breaks the tick, leaving pieces behind and under your skin.
Closely look at the skin and the tick to make sure that it has been removed entirely. This is where a magnifying glass can come in handy. If the head has been left behind in your skin, leave it. Trying too hard to remove it yourself can lead to significant irritation and increase the risk of infection.
The head will not infect you with tick-borne illnesses, so leave it be and allow the body to heal. It will generally expel it on its own as it does.
Step 4: Clean Up
Once the tick has been properly removed, you will want to clean the area with soap and water before disinfecting it using rubbing alcohol or antiseptic.
Washing your hands thoroughly will also remove any pathogens from them.
Once you have addressed the skin, be careful not to scratch the area to minimize the risk of infection. Keep in mind that a little redness or soreness is normal for tick bites. However, if there is swelling, pus, or excessive redness, you will want to watch it closely and have it seen by a doctor, as this could be a sign of infection.
Step 5: Monitor for Symptoms
Just because you removed a tick doesn’t mean you are going to get Lyme disease. You will want to continue monitoring the area for any signs of tick-borne illness, as they may not appear right away but rather days or weeks later.
Below are a few of the most common signs you should look out for. If you notice any, visit your doctor right away.
- A bullseye-shaped rash
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain
- Neurological symptoms, such as facial paralysis, numbness, and tingling
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentration
Early treatment can reduce the risk of more complex infections later on.
Step 6: Prevent Future Tick Bites
Being proactive can reduce the chance you will find yourself removing ticks. Here’s what you can do in the future—
- Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and socks, when you know you are going to be in wooded or high-grass areas.
- Use insect repellents with DEET before heading into areas where ticks may be found.
- Perform tick checks routinely when outdoors or hiking.
- Shower afterward to remove any unattached ticks.
These extra steps can help you to enjoy the outdoors while remaining tick-free.
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Conclusion
It can be scary to find a tick on your body, especially if you don’t know what to do about it. Following these steps to carefully remove the tick and cleaning the area can keep you safe.
Monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention at the first sign. Remember, early treatment is key!
Check This Out!
Recently found a tick on yourself and now you’re filled with questions? Many people experience that same sense of uncertainty when they encounter a tick for the first time. Lyme disease is a major concern, but understanding what happens after a tick bite can help you stay calm and informed.
Watch the video below that goes over some of the most common questions people have about tick bites and Lyme disease.