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Tick bite • What to do right now

I found a tick attached. What do I do?

Stay calm. Most tick bites don't lead to illness. Follow these six steps, then keep a quick private log you can share with a healthcare professional if you're concerned.

Emergency first

If you or someone has trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, or a severe whole-body reaction, call emergency services (911) right away. Don't wait.

  1. Step 1: Remove with fine-tipped tweezers

    Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upward. Don't twist, crush, or use heat or petroleum jelly.

  2. Step 2: Clean the area

    Wash the bite and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

  3. Step 3: Save or photograph the tick

    Seal it in a bag or take a clear photo. This can help a clinician later if symptoms develop.

  4. Step 4: Note the date and location

    Record when you found it, where on your body it was, and where you may have been exposed.

  5. Step 5: Watch for symptoms

    Over the next several weeks, watch for rash, fever, fatigue, or a delayed reaction after eating red meat.

  6. Step 6: Seek care for concerning symptoms

    Contact a licensed healthcare professional if symptoms appear. This tool is educational and does not diagnose.

Start a bite log

A private record kept only on your device — nothing is uploaded. This is not a diagnosis. If you're concerned, share this log with a licensed healthcare professional.

Photos are previewed locally only and are not saved to the log or uploaded.

Tick bite FAQ

What's the safest way to remove a tick?+

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily upward without twisting. Then clean the area. Avoid folk methods like burning the tick or using petroleum jelly.

Should I see a doctor after every tick bite?+

Most bites don't cause illness. Watch for symptoms and contact a licensed healthcare professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or delayed meat reaction develops. Seek emergency care for severe allergic symptoms.

Is my bite log shared with anyone?+

No. The bite log is stored only on your device and is never uploaded. You can download or copy it to share with a healthcare professional yourself.

Sources used

Educational information only — not a diagnosis or treatment plan. For symptoms or medical questions, contact a licensed healthcare professional. See the full tick bite guide, alpha-gal guide, and disclaimer.