How can you remove a tick from a child's scalp? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the scalp as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting; afterward, disinfect the site and watch for signs of infection.
How can you remove a tick from a child's scalp? - in detail
A tick attached to a child’s head poses a risk of disease; prompt and proper extraction reduces that risk.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, and a clean container with a lid for the specimen. Wash hands thoroughly before and after the procedure.
- Put on gloves to avoid direct contact.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; pull straight out without twisting or jerking.
- If resistance is felt, maintain gentle traction until the tick releases.
- Place the removed tick in the sealed container for identification, if needed.
- Clean the bite site with an antiseptic pad and cover with a sterile bandage.
After removal, observe the area for several days. Watch for redness, swelling, or a rash expanding from the bite site. Record the date of extraction; symptoms of tick‑borne illness can appear within weeks.
Seek professional medical evaluation if the tick’s head remains embedded, the bite becomes inflamed, or the child develops fever, headache, fatigue, or a bullseye rash. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics may be required.