How to remove a gall tick? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the gall tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady, even pressure; afterwards, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution.
How to remove a gall tick? - in detail
Removing a gall tick requires prompt, careful action to minimise tissue damage and reduce infection risk. First, gather sterile tools: fine‑point tweezers, a magnifying lens, antiseptic solution, and clean gauze. Disinfect the skin surrounding the tick with the antiseptic, then follow these steps.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, holding the head or mouthparts rather than the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the tick straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- If resistance is felt, reposition the tweezers and continue gentle traction until the entire organism detaches.
- Inspect the extraction site; if any part remains, repeat the procedure with fresh tweezers.
- Clean the wound with antiseptic again and cover with a sterile dressing.
After removal, monitor the area for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention. Preserve the tick in a sealed container for identification if disease exposure is a concern. Document the date of removal and any subsequent symptoms for reference.