Subcutaneous tick on the face: how to remove it? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site and monitor for infection.
Subcutaneous tick on the face: how to remove it? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the facial dermis requires prompt, careful extraction to prevent infection and minimize tissue damage. The following protocol outlines the steps for safe removal, post‑removal care, and warning signs that necessitate medical attention.
First, gather sterile tools: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a clean container with a lid for the specimen. Clean the surrounding skin with the antiseptic before touching the tick.
Extraction technique
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward traction without twisting or jerking.
- Continue pulling until the mouthparts detach completely.
- Inspect the removed tick; if any mouthparts remain embedded, repeat the process with a new grasp point.
After removal, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing if needed. Preserve the tick in a sealed tube with ethanol for species identification, especially if symptoms develop.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- Observe the site for redness, swelling, or a rash resembling a bullseye pattern; such changes may indicate Lyme disease or other tick‑borne infections.
- Record any fever, headache, joint pain, or fatigue occurring within weeks of the bite.
- Seek professional evaluation promptly if any of these signs appear.
Preventive measures for future exposures include wearing protective clothing, applying EPA‑registered repellents to exposed skin, and performing thorough skin checks after outdoor activities.