How should a subcutaneous tick on a woman's face be treated? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the embedded tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even force, avoiding compression of the mouthparts; then clean the site with antiseptic and apply a sterile dressing. If the lesion shows redness, swelling, or systemic symptoms, seek medical evaluation promptly.
How should a subcutaneous tick on a woman's face be treated? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated beneath the epidermis on a woman's facial skin requires prompt, sterile removal to minimize tissue damage and infection risk.
First, assess the lesion. Confirm the organism’s attachment by visualizing the mouthparts; a partially visible head or swelling around the site indicates a deep embedment. If the tick’s body is not easily graspable, do not apply excessive force.
Removal steps:
- Disinfect the surrounding skin with an alcohol‑based solution or chlorhexidine.
- Use fine‑point, straight‑spring tweezers. Position the tips as close to the skin as possible, hugging the tick’s head.
- Apply steady, upward traction aligned with the tick’s body axis. Avoid twisting or jerking motions that could fracture the mouthparts.
- Once the tick separates, place it in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed.
- Clean the bite area again with antiseptic. Apply a sterile dressing if bleeding occurs.
After removal, monitor the site for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or expanding erythema. Systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, or malaise warrant immediate medical evaluation, as they may indicate tick‑borne disease transmission.
Prophylactic measures:
- Consider a single dose of doxycycline (200 mg) within 72 hours if the tick species is known to carry pathogens and the patient is not pregnant or allergic.
- For pregnant individuals or those with contraindications, consult a healthcare provider for alternative therapy.
Document the date of removal, tick description, and any symptoms. Schedule a follow‑up appointment within 7–10 days to reassess healing and to address potential delayed complications.