How can you get rid of a subcutaneous tick on a human face? - briefly
«Use fine‑tipped sterile forceps to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection».
How can you get rid of a subcutaneous tick on a human face? - in detail
Removing a tick that has penetrated beneath the skin of the face requires prompt, sterile technique to minimise tissue damage and infection risk.
Begin by preparing a clean work area. Wash hands thoroughly, then don disposable gloves. Disinfect the surrounding skin with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device. Grasp the tick as close to the entry point as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Apply steady, gentle upward traction until the mouthparts detach from the skin. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mandibles to break off and remain embedded.
If the tick is deeply embedded and the mouthparts cannot be extracted with tweezers, consider the following steps:
- Apply a warm, moist compress for several minutes to soften the surrounding tissue.
- Use a sterile, sharp scalpel or a fine‑bladed surgical instrument to make a minimal incision directly over the tick’s head, taking care not to damage facial structures.
- With a sterile forceps, lift the tick out in one piece, ensuring the entire organism, including the capitulum, is removed.
- Close the incision with a single absorbable suture or apply sterile adhesive strips, followed by a topical antibiotic ointment.
After removal, clean the site again with antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing. Observe the area for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and seek medical attention if these develop.
Document the tick’s appearance and, if possible, submit it to a laboratory for species identification and pathogen testing. This information guides appropriate prophylactic treatment, such as a single dose of doxycycline when Lyme‑disease risk is high.
Finally, educate the patient on preventive measures: regular skin inspection after outdoor activity, use of repellents containing DEET or permethrin, and prompt removal of attached ticks before they become engorged.