How can a subcutaneous tick be removed from the face? - briefly
Grasp the embedded tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure, then disinfect the site and monitor for infection.
How can a subcutaneous tick be removed from the face? - in detail
Removing a tick that has penetrated beneath the facial skin requires a sterile, controlled approach to minimize tissue damage and infection risk.
First, gather the necessary supplies: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine), sterile gauze, a small scalpel or fine needle (optional), and a clean container with alcohol for the specimen. Wear disposable gloves to protect both the patient and the practitioner.
The procedure proceeds as follows:
- Disinfect the surrounding skin with antiseptic and allow it to dry.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, using the tweezers’ tips or the tip of the removal tool. Avoid squeezing the body, which can expel pathogen‑laden fluids.
- Apply steady, gentle upward traction, maintaining alignment with the tick’s mouthparts. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off.
- If resistance is encountered, use a sterile scalpel or fine needle to gently lift the skin overlaying the mouthparts, creating a small opening that facilitates extraction without tearing the surrounding tissue.
- Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the host. Inspect the removed tick to confirm that the head and hypostome are intact; retained fragments may provoke local inflammation.
- Immediately place the tick in the alcohol container for identification, if required.
- Clean the bite site again with antiseptic, then cover with sterile gauze. Advise the patient to monitor the area for redness, swelling, or a bullseye rash over the next 2‑3 weeks.
After removal, document the date and location of the bite, the tick’s appearance, and any symptoms. Recommend a tetanus booster if the patient’s immunization status is uncertain. If the mouthparts remain embedded, the lesion becomes a foreign body; consult a healthcare professional for possible minor surgical excision. Persistent erythema, fever, or flu‑like symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation, as they may indicate transmission of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease or anaplasmosis.
Finally, educate the individual on preventive measures: use protective clothing, apply EPA‑registered repellents, and conduct regular body checks after outdoor exposure to reduce future incidents.