Found a Tick? What to Do Next and When to See a Doctor

Summary Paragraph

Finding a tick can be concerning, but most tick bites are manageable with quick action and careful monitoring. Removing the tick promptly and correctly is one of the most important steps to reduce the risk of illness. Most tick bites are harmless and cause only mild skin irritation. Rash, fever, fatigue or pain can appear days or weeks later and may signal a tick-related infection such as Lyme disease and may require attention from your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Remove a tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Watch for symptoms in the days or weeks after a tick bite, including a rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches or joint pain.
• If you’re unsure what symptoms mean or when to seek care, Nurse Now. a Video Visits on Demand or a visit to your primary care provider can help guide your next steps.

Found a Tick? What to Do Next & When to See a Doctor

Finding a tick on your skin, or your child’s, can be unsettling. Knowing what to do, recognizing symptoms, and understanding when to see a doctor can help protect your health and give you peace of mind.

This guide walks you through what to do if you find a tick, proper tick removal, symptoms to watch for and when it’s time to talk to a medical provider.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Acting quickly and carefully lowers the risk of infection. Start by removing the tick as soon as possible. Ticks need time to transmit most infections, so quick removal matters.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

Proper tick removal helps reduce the chance of illness. Use fine-tipped tweezers and follow these steps:

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull upward slowly and steadily. Don’t twist or jerk.
3. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
4. Dispose of the tick or save it if recommended (see below).

Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, which can increase the chance of infection. Home remedies—such as covering the tick with nail polish remover or petroleum jelly or applying heat—should also be avoided. These can actually cause the tick to release infected fluids on to the sick, increasing exposure.

Should You Keep the Tick?

In some cases, saving the tick may be helpful, especially if symptoms develop later. Place it in a sealed container or bag with the date noted.

Symptoms to Watch for After a Tick Bite

Most tick bites cause mild irritation that goes away on its own. Over the next few days or weeks, keep an eye out for tick bite symptoms, including:

• A rash, especially one that looks like a bull’s-eye.
• Fatigue.
• Fever or chills.
• Headache or muscle aches.
• Joint pain.
• Redness that spreads or worsens.

These symptoms can be early signs of Lyme disease or another tick-related illness, and paying attention to them early can make a difference.

When to See a Doctor for a Tick Bite

It’s not always easy to tell whether a tick bite is something to watch at home or something that needs medical attention. Symptoms can show up days or even weeks later, and uncertainty is common, especially if you’re not sure how long the tick was attached. If you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, joint pain or redness that spreads, it’s a good idea to check in with a medical provider.

If you’re unsure what to do next, St. Elizabeth Physicians offers a few ways to get care. If you prefer to be seen in person, your primary care provider can evaluate tick bites, review symptoms and help determine whether follow-up treatment is needed. If staying home is more convenient, Virtual Health options make it easier to get answers without guessing.

“After a tick bite, the most important things are removing the tick promptly, watching for symptoms and reaching out if something doesn’t seem right,” said Dr. Gina Grove, with St. Elizabeth Physicians Primary Care – Newport Ovation. “If you notice a rash, fever, fatigue or other new symptoms, your primary care provider can help determine whether you need treatment or if monitoring at home is appropriate.”

Nurse Now is a great place to start. This free service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and connects you with a St. Elizabeth nurse who can listen to your symptoms, answer your questions, and help you decide whether home care is enough or if you need follow-up care. Call 1-800-4STE-NOW anytime.

If you need to speak with a provider, Video Visits on Demand offers quick, easy and secure care for tick bites, rashes and other non-emergency concerns — often the same day — with expanded evening and weekend hours. You don’t need to be an established St. Elizabeth patient to start a visit.

Schedule your visit online or through MyChart.

Preventing Tick Bites

Ticks are most active in warm months, especially in wooded or grassy areas. You can lower your risk by:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors.
• Using insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
• Checking skin, hair and clothing after being outside.
• Showering soon after being outdoors.
• Checking pets regularly.