How are subcutaneous ticks removed? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick near the skin surface and pull upward with steady, even force; then disinfect the site and observe for signs of infection. If mouthparts stay embedded, obtain professional medical care.
How are subcutaneous ticks removed? - in detail
When a tick burrows beneath the skin, the removal technique differs from that used for surface‑attached parasites. The primary objective is to extract the entire organism, including its mouthparts, while minimizing tissue damage and preventing infection.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook, antiseptic solution, sterile gauze, and a small container with a lid for the specimen. Clean the surrounding skin with antiseptic to reduce bacterial load.
The extraction steps are:
- Locate the tick’s head – identify the point where the mouthparts penetrate the skin; this is usually a small, dark protrusion.
- Grasp as close to the skin as possible – position the tweezers or hook directly over the entry point, avoiding squeezing the body, which could force fluids into the host.
- Apply steady, upward traction – pull straight out with constant pressure; do not twist or jerk, which risks breaking the mouthparts.
- Inspect the removed tick – ensure the head and hypostome are intact; if any fragment remains, repeat the grasping step on the residual tissue.
- Disinfect the bite site – apply antiseptic and cover with sterile gauze.
- Preserve the specimen – place the tick in the container with a small amount of alcohol for identification if needed.
- Monitor for complications – observe the wound for signs of redness, swelling, or fever over the next few days; seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
If the tick’s mouthparts break off, a small incision with a sterile scalpel may be required to remove the remnants, followed by thorough cleaning and suturing if necessary. In cases of extensive tissue involvement or infection, professional medical intervention is recommended.