How are subcutaneous ticks on the face treated? - briefly
Embedded facial ticks are extracted by a clinician using sterile forceps or a punch‑biopsy instrument to prevent rupture, after which the wound is cleaned and a topical antibiotic applied to reduce infection risk. Follow‑up includes monitoring for inflammation or systemic signs such as Lyme disease.
How are subcutaneous ticks on the face treated? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embedded in facial tissue require prompt, sterile removal to prevent infection and allergic reactions.
The procedure begins with clinical assessment. Visual inspection identifies a raised nodule, often accompanied by localized erythema. Palpation confirms a firm, mobile mass beneath the skin. Ultrasound imaging may be employed to locate the tick’s head and assess depth, especially when the lesion is small or obscured by hair.
Removal techniques include:
- Surgical excision – a small incision is made over the nodule under local anesthesia; the tick is extracted intact with fine forceps. The wound is irrigated with sterile saline and closed with a single suture or adhesive strip.
- Punch biopsy – a 3‑4 mm punch tool removes a cylindrical core containing the tick and surrounding tissue, minimizing scar formation.
- Laser ablation – selective photothermolysis vaporizes the tick’s body, applicable when the organism is superficial and the patient prefers a non‑invasive approach.
After extraction, the site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) and covered with a sterile dressing. A short course of topical antibiotic ointment may be applied to reduce bacterial colonization. Systemic antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) are indicated if signs of secondary infection appear or if the tick species is known to transmit pathogens such as Borrelia or Rickettsia.
Follow‑up includes monitoring for delayed hypersensitivity, granuloma formation, or residual tick parts. Patients should be instructed to report increasing pain, swelling, or fever within 48 hours.
Preventive measures focus on personal protection: use of repellents containing DEET or picaridin, regular skin examinations after outdoor activities, and prompt removal of any attached ticks before they penetrate subcutaneously. Education on proper tick handling reduces the risk of deep embedding and associated complications.