How should a tick be pulled?

How should a tick be pulled? - briefly

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑tipped tweezers, pull upward with «steady, even pressure», and disinfect the bite site.

How should a tick be pulled? - in detail

Removing a tick requires precision to avoid breaking the mouthparts and to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

A pair of fine‑point tweezers, gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container for the specimen are sufficient. Avoid using blunt instruments or squeezing the body of the parasite.

The procedure:

  1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers, positioning the tips at the head where the legs attach.
  2. Apply steady, gentle upward pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or rock the tick; maintain a straight line of pull.
  3. Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the skin.
  4. Inspect the bite site. If any part of the mouth remains embedded, repeat the extraction with fresh tweezers.
  5. Disinfect the area with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly.

After removal, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed. Observe the bite site for several weeks; note any redness, swelling, or flu‑like symptoms. Seek medical evaluation promptly if such signs appear or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.