How to extract a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure until it releases. Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands after removal.
How to extract a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
Removing a tick that has penetrated below the skin surface requires precision and sterile technique to minimize tissue damage and prevent pathogen transmission.
First, gather the necessary equipment: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine), sterile gauze, disposable gloves, and a sealed container for the specimen. Disinfect the hands and the removal instrument before beginning.
The extraction procedure proceeds as follows:
- Position the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, grasping the tick’s head or mouthparts without squeezing the abdomen.
- Apply steady, gentle upward traction. Avoid twisting or jerking motions that could rupture the tick’s body.
- Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the skin. Verify that no remnants remain attached.
- Immediately place the tick in the sealed container for identification or disposal.
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic, then cover with sterile gauze.
After removal, monitor the wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or persistent pain. Document the date of the bite and any symptoms that develop. Seek professional medical evaluation if any of the following occur: fever, rash, joint pain, or if the tick could have carried a known disease in the region.
Proper disposal of the tick involves sealing it in a plastic bag and discarding it in household waste, or submitting it to a laboratory for testing if required.
The described method reduces the risk of incomplete extraction and subsequent complications, ensuring a safe and effective resolution of a subdermal tick attachment.