What should you do if you find a tick attached to your skin?

Removing a tick promptly and correctly is essential to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Using fine-tipped tweezers provides the best method for tick removal. It allows you to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible, without squeezing its body. This technique reduces the chance of the tick's bodily fluids, which may contain pathogens, being injected into the skin during removal.

After you have securely grasped the tick, you can pull upward with steady, even pressure. It's important to avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as that could cause mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Once removed, the area should be cleaned with disinfectant, and the tick can be saved in a sealed bag or container for identification, in case symptoms develop later.

Using methods such as nail polish remover or burning the tick with a lighter are not recommended, as these can lead to complications such as skin irritation or potentially worrying situations where tick body parts remain in the skin. Leaving a tick attached until it falls off is not advisable due to the increased risk of Lyme disease and other infections. Prompt removal with the proper technique is the safest approach.