A tick is deep under the skin, what should I do? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the area and monitor for rash, fever, or other symptoms, seeking medical attention if removal is difficult or signs of infection appear.
A tick is deep under the skin, what should I do? - in detail
If a tick has penetrated far beneath the epidermis, act promptly to minimize tissue damage and infection risk. First, wash hands and the affected area with soap and water. Use a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers; grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding squeezing the body. Apply steady, upward pressure to extract the entire organism without twisting. After removal, clean the bite site with antiseptic and disinfect the tweezers.
Monitor the wound for several weeks. Look for a red expanding ring, flu‑like symptoms, or fever, which may indicate a vector‑borne disease. If any of these signs appear, or if you cannot retrieve the whole tick, seek medical evaluation without delay. A healthcare professional may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate, especially in regions where Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever are prevalent.
To reduce future incidents, wear long sleeves and pants in tick‑infested habitats, treat clothing with permethrin, and conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Keep a tick removal kit accessible for immediate use.