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3 Things to Do If You Have a Tick

April 17, 2025

Ticks may be tiny, but getting bitten can have a big impact on your health. These small insects carry Lyme disease and a whole host of other diseases, which makes quick and proper removal key.

So, what should you do if you find one on your skin? We asked an expert.

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1. Remove the tick properly

The faster you remove a tick, the lower your risk of infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, focusing on the head where it’s attached. Instead of pulling straight out, rotate the tweezers in a 180-degree turn to help detach it more easily.

“Try not to squeeze the tick’s body,” says Syed Hussain, MD, medical director of Hartford HealthCare Urgent Care. “Doing so can cause the tick to release its contents into your skin, increasing the risk of infection.”

2. Clean the bite

Once you remove the tick, clean the bite site thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or iodine. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in tape before throwing it away.

If the tick was engorged or embedded for 48 – 72 hours, Dr. Hussain advises seeking medical attention for a possible preventive antibiotic prescription.

> Related: Half a Million Americans May Have a Meat Allergy Caused By Ticks

3. Watch for symptoms

Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can appear anywhere from three days to a month after a bite. Dr. Hussain says to watch for:

  • A bull’s-eye rash, which occurs in about two-thirds of Lyme disease cases.
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches and body aches.
  • Joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees.
  • In severe cases, shortness of breath, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, which could signal a late-stage complication of Lyme disease.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.

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Preventing tick bites

But the best way to avoid tick-related illnesses? Don’t get bitten in the first place. Dr. Hussain recommends:

  1. Using insect repellent when spending time outdoors
  2. Wearing long sleeves, pants, socks and closed-toe shoes in wooded or grassy areas
  3. Performing a full-body tick check after outdoor activities. Ticks often hide in warm, moist areas, including under the arms, around the ears, behind the knees, between the legs, on the scalp or inside the belly button.

By taking the right steps before, during and after a tick bite, you can reduce your risk and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.