How to pull a tick out of the ear? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the ear canal skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then clean the site with an antiseptic solution.
How to pull a tick out of the ear? - in detail
Removing a tick lodged in the ear requires precision and hygiene. Begin by gathering the necessary equipment: fine‑tipped tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, a clean cloth, and a small flashlight.
- Clean the surrounding area with antiseptic.
- Don gloves to prevent pathogen transmission.
- Illuminate the ear canal with the flashlight, ensuring clear visibility of the tick’s head and mouthparts.
Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, targeting the point where the mouthparts penetrate. Apply steady, upward pressure without twisting. The goal is to extract the entire organism intact; crushing the body can release infectious fluids.
After removal, place the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed. Disinfect the bite site with antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage if bleeding occurs.
Monitor the area for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms develop or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
Proper disposal of the tick and thorough hand washing complete the procedure.