How to treat a subcutaneous tick on a human head? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then cleanse the site with antiseptic and apply a sterile dressing; observe for signs of infection or allergic reaction and seek medical evaluation if the tick remains partially embedded or symptoms develop.
How to treat a subcutaneous tick on a human head? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the skin of the scalp must be removed promptly to reduce the risk of infection and disease transmission.
First, prepare a clean work area. Disinfect the surrounding skin with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Use sterile tweezers or a fine‑pointed forceps; avoid squeezing the tick’s body, which can expel saliva and increase pathogen exposure.
Steps for extraction:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, holding the mouthparts firmly.
- Apply steady, upward traction without twisting or jerking.
- Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the skin.
- Inspect the bite site; if any part of the mouthparts remains, repeat the removal process with fresh instruments.
After removal, cleanse the area again with antiseptic. Allow the site to air‑dry; a mild protective dressing may be applied if irritation is expected.
Monitor the wound for signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or pus formation. Record the date of the bite and, if available, the tick’s identification. Seek medical evaluation if any of the following occur within the next several weeks:
- Persistent rash or fever.
- Flu‑like symptoms.
- Unexplained fatigue or joint pain.
- Enlargement of lymph nodes near the bite.
In cases of suspected disease transmission, a healthcare professional may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics or arrange serological testing.
Preventive measures include regular inspection of the scalp after outdoor activities, use of repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and wearing protective headgear in tick‑infested areas. Maintaining short hair and avoiding dense vegetation can further reduce exposure.