How can a subcutaneous tick on the face be removed? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑pointed forceps as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding compression of its body. Clean the bite area with antiseptic afterward and watch for signs of infection.
How can a subcutaneous tick on the face be removed? - in detail
Removing a tick that has penetrated beneath the surface of facial skin requires precision, sterile technique, and immediate care to reduce infection risk.
First, gather sterile tools: fine‑point tweezers or a tick removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine), and a clean container with alcohol for disposal. Wash hands thoroughly before and after the procedure.
- Locate the tick – Gently stretch the skin around the lesion to expose the head and mouthparts. Use a magnifying glass if needed.
- Grasp the tick – Position the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, holding the tick’s body without squeezing the abdomen. Gripping near the mouthparts prevents crushing the tick and releasing infectious fluid.
- Apply steady traction – Pull upward with constant, even force. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can detach the mouthparts and leave them embedded.
- Inspect the extraction site – Ensure the entire tick, including the capitulum, has been removed. If any fragment remains, repeat the grasp‑and‑pull step or seek professional assistance.
- Disinfect the area – Apply antiseptic to the bite site and allow it to air‑dry. Cover with a sterile dressing only if bleeding occurs.
- Dispose of the tick – Place the specimen in the alcohol container, seal, and discard according to local regulations. Retain the tick in a sealed bag for possible laboratory identification if illness develops.
- Monitor for complications – Over the next 24–48 hours, watch for redness, swelling, fever, or a rash. Persistent symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.
If the tick is deeply embedded, the skin is fragile, or the patient experiences difficulty removing it, consult a healthcare professional promptly. In cases of known exposure to tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), prophylactic antibiotics may be considered by a physician.