How can a tick be pulled out of the head? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the scalp as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding any squeezing of the body. Clean the area with antiseptic afterward.
How can a tick be pulled out of the head? - in detail
Removing a tick lodged in the scalp requires precision and sterility. First, gather sterile fine‑point tweezers, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container for the specimen. Wash hands thoroughly before donning gloves.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body, to avoid crushing.
- Apply steady, upward traction; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the skin. If resistance occurs, pause, reassess grip, and repeat gentle motion.
- Inspect the removed tick; confirm that the capitulum is intact. If fragments remain, repeat the extraction process at the same site.
After removal, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and allow it to air dry. Observe the site for redness, swelling, or a rash over the next several weeks. Document the date of removal and, if possible, retain the tick for identification. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms of infection or tick‑borne disease appear.