Finding a tick on yourself or someone you care for can be unsettling. But do not panic. Knowing the right steps to take immediately can significantly lower the risk of illness and make follow-up with a healthcare provider more effective.

Step 1: Remove the Tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with slow, steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which could leave parts of the tick behind.

Step 2: Clean the Area
After removal, wash the bite site and your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol. This helps prevent infection at the bite site.

Step 3: Save the Tick
Place it in a sealed bag or container and write down the date. Healthcare providers may want to see the tick for identification, or for reference if symptoms appear later.

Step 4: Monitor for Symptoms
For the next 30 days, watch for signs like fever, chills, fatigue, joint pain, headaches, or a bullseye-shaped rash. These could be early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

Step 5: Call Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your provider right away if:

• You are unsure how long the tick was attached
• Symptoms develop
• The person bitten is a child, older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system

Even if no symptoms appear, it can be useful to note the bite in a medical record for future reference.

The bottom line: quick action matters. Removing the tick correctly, documenting the bite, and staying alert for symptoms can help prevent long-term complications. By treating tick bites seriously, you can protect health and peace of mind for those you care for.