How to pull out an attached tick? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands.
How to pull out an attached tick? - in detail
Ticks attach firmly to the skin and must be removed promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, wear disposable gloves, and work in a well‑lit area.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible with the tips of the tweezers, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist, jerk, or rock the tick, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Continue pulling until the entire tick separates from the host.
After removal, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed. Clean the bite site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic. Wash hands thoroughly even when gloves were used.
Observe the area for several days. If redness, swelling, a rash, or flu‑like symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation. Document the date of removal and any subsequent symptoms for health‑care providers.