How should you correctly extract a tick from a leg? - briefly
«Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure without twisting, then clean the area with antiseptic. Dispose of the tick in a sealed container and monitor for symptoms.»
How should you correctly extract a tick from a leg? - in detail
Removing a tick from a lower limb requires a sterile approach, precise handling, and post‑removal care.
First, gather supplies: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, antiseptic solution, disposable gloves, and a sealable container with alcohol for disposal. Wash hands thoroughly, then put on gloves to prevent pathogen transmission.
Next, locate the tick’s head. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, ensuring the instrument contacts the mouthparts rather than the body. Apply steady, downward pressure to pull straight out; avoid twisting or jerking movements that could detach the mouthparts. If resistance occurs, reposition the grip and repeat the smooth extraction.
After removal, inspect the bite site. Clean the area with antiseptic and allow it to air dry. Preserve the tick in the alcohol‑filled container for identification if needed. Monitor the site for several days; any signs of redness, swelling, or rash warrant medical evaluation.
Finally, discard used materials according to local biohazard regulations and wash hands again. Maintaining these steps reduces the risk of infection and ensures effective tick removal.