Tick-bite related emergency room visits have reached a five-year high, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Brandon Eilertson, an infectious diseases physician, shares his advice on what to do if you find a tick on a family member.
While most ticks don’t carry diseases, Dr. Eilertson notes that increased awareness has led to more visits to the emergency room. He advises against overreacting, as the mere sight of a tick is not a cause for concern. Instead, he recommends talking to a doctor if a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours.
This timeframe is crucial because it’s generally within this period that Lyme disease can be transmitted from the tick’s mouthparts to a person. However, if the tick has only been on you or a family member for less than 24 hours, removing it and observing its behavior should suffice.
One way to determine how long a tick has been attached is by looking at its appearance. A full meal will cause the tick to look larger and swollen, making it easier to spot.
To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to its mouth as possible. If the tick breaks during removal, don’t try to dig under the skin to retrieve the rest; this can cause more damage.
After removing the tick, wash the affected area with soap and water. There is no need to apply alcohol or ointments.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses include unusual rashes and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a doctor promptly, as early treatment can prevent serious complications, such as nerve paralysis.
Source: https://wtop.com/health-fitness/2025/07/when-to-just-kill-a-tick-and-be-observant-and-when-to-contact-your-doctor