How to remove a tick from a person if the head remains in the body? - briefly
«Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic.»
How to remove a tick from a person if the head remains in the body? - in detail
Removing a tick whose mouthparts remain embedded requires careful technique to avoid further tissue damage and infection.
First, gather sterile tools: fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal device, antiseptic solution, disposable gloves, and a clean dressing.
Clean the area with antiseptic before beginning.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts without squeezing the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or jerking motions. If resistance is felt, apply gentle, continuous traction rather than increasing force.
After extraction, inspect the site. If any portion of the mouth remains, repeat the grasping step using a fresh set of tweezers, targeting the visible fragment.
Once the entire tick is removed, disinfect the bite area again and apply a sterile bandage.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection—redness, swelling, heat, or discharge—for several days. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop, if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, or if the individual is pregnant, immunocompromised, or has a known allergy to tick‑borne diseases.
Document the incident, noting the date of removal and the tick’s appearance, to aid healthcare providers if later treatment is required.