How to extract a tick from the head? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick near the scalp and pull upward with steady, even pressure until it releases. Disinfect the bite site and wash your hands afterward.
How to extract a tick from the head? - in detail
Removing a tick attached to the scalp requires steady hands, proper tools, and a clean environment. Begin by gathering a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a commercial tick‑removal device, antiseptic solution, disposable gloves, and a small container with a lid for the specimen. Wash hands thoroughly, then put on gloves to prevent contamination.
- Position the victim or patient comfortably, ensuring the hair around the attachment site is visible. If necessary, part the hair with a comb or your fingers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body, to avoid crushing the insect.
- Apply steady, upward pressure, pulling straight out without twisting or jerking. The goal is to extract the entire organism in one motion.
- After removal, place the tick in the container, add a few drops of alcohol if identification may be required, and seal the lid.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic, then cover with a sterile bandage if bleeding occurs.
Monitor the site for the next 24‑48 hours. Signs that warrant medical attention include redness expanding beyond the immediate area, swelling, fever, or a rash resembling a bull’s‑eye. In such cases, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Following removal, discard gloves and wash hands again. Document the date of extraction and the tick’s appearance, especially if the region is endemic for tick‑borne diseases, to aid future diagnosis.