What To Do If You’re Bit By A Tick

Older African American man and boy walking in forestTickborne diseases are on the rise and prevention should be on everyone’s mind, especially during the spring, summer, and early-fall, when the eight-legged creatures are most active, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Each year, more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported nationwide, while studies suggest that the actual number is more likely about 300,000 diagnoses. Furthermore, those at risk have no idea.

Here’s what you should do if you get bit by a tick.

1. Remove it.

Get it off right way. That means put down the matches, nail polish, and other crazy quick fixes you might have heard about. Instead, remove the tick using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grabbing as close as you can to where the tick has attached, pull upwards, using enough pressure to ensure you have removed the entire tick – including the mouth parts.

2. Examine the area.

If you find one tick, it’s likely you have more, experts say. You’ll want to do a full-body exam — paying close attention to areas that tend to be moist, including the back of your knees, scalp, armpits, between your butt cheeks and even your genitals. A full -length mirror or a handheld mirror is all you need to get the job done.