How should a subcutaneous tick on a human's body be treated?

How should a subcutaneous tick on a human's body be treated? - briefly

Remove the tick promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward, then disinfect the bite area and observe for infection or disease signs. If removal is problematic or symptoms appear, obtain medical evaluation.

How should a subcutaneous tick on a human's body be treated? - in detail

A tick that has penetrated the dermis requires prompt, sterile removal to prevent pathogen transmission and tissue reaction.

Preparation
- Disinfect hands and the surrounding skin with an alcohol‑based solution or iodine.
- Gather fine‑point tweezers, a sterile needle or scalpel, antiseptic wipes, and a sealable container for the specimen.
Extraction
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward traction; do not twist or jerk, which can cause mouthparts to remain embedded.
- If the mouthparts are visible and lodged, use a sterile needle to gently lift them, then remove the remainder with tweezers.
- Place the whole tick in a labelled vial for identification and possible laboratory testing.
Post‑removal care
- Irrigate the bite site with saline or an antiseptic solution.
- Apply a clean dressing; monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 48 hours.
Risk assessment and prophylaxis
- Determine the tick species, attachment duration, and regional disease prevalence (e.g., Ixodes spp. for Lyme disease).
- If the tick was attached ≥36 hours and the area is endemic for Borrelia burgdorferi, a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg for adults, 4 mg/kg for children >8 years) within 72 hours reduces infection risk.
- For other pathogens (e.g., Anaplasma, Babesia), follow local guidelines; consider serologic testing if symptoms arise.
Follow‑up
- Advise the patient to seek medical attention if fever, rash, arthralgia, or neurologic signs develop.
- Document the event in the medical record, including tick identification, removal method, and any prophylactic treatment administered.

Adhering to sterile technique, complete extraction, and appropriate post‑exposure management minimizes complications and ensures timely detection of tick‑borne diseases.