(HealthDay News) -- Ticks, often found in heavily wooded areas, can attach themselves to a person's skin or clothing.

Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other germs, so you should always check your child after outdoor play.

If you see a tick on you or your child, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

• Using a pair of tweezers, firmly grab the tick near its head or mouth, which will be right next to the skin.
• Pull firmly and steadily until the tick releases its grip, and immediately clean the bite site with alcohol.
• As soon as possible, call your doctor, who may want you to keep the tick and bring it in for examination.
• Never attempt to extract the tick using a lighted match or petroleum jelly.