Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward using steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause parts of the tick’s mouth to break off and remain in the skin. If small mouthparts remain and cannot easily be removed with clean tweezers, don’t aggressively dig into the skin.

After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or an appropriate antiseptic. Dispose of the tick safely by placing it in a sealed container or bag, wrapping it securely, or otherwise preventing further contact. Taking a clear photograph may also help with identification if symptoms develop later.

Over the following days and weeks, pay attention to your child’s health. Watch for fever, rash, unusual tiredness, headache, muscle or joint aches, or increasing redness around the bite. A small area of irritation immediately after removal can occur and doesn’t automatically mean an infection.

Contact a healthcare professional if concerning symptoms develop, if you cannot remove the tick properly, or if you’re concerned about how long it may have been attached. Finding a tick can be frightening, but careful removal and watching for symptoms afterward are the most important steps you can take.