What does a tick in the ear look like and how to treat it? - briefly
A tick lodged in the ear canal looks like a tiny, dark, swollen arachnid, often partially embedded in the ear’s skin. Remove it with fine‑pointed tweezers by grasping the mouthparts close to the skin and pulling steadily, then disinfect the site and watch for signs of infection.
What does a tick in the ear look like and how to treat it? - in detail
A tick attached to the external auditory canal appears as a small, dark, oval body measuring 2–5 mm in length, often with a flattened dorsal surface. The ventral side may be lighter, and the mouthparts are visible as a tiny, protruding disk positioned near the ear canal wall. Engorged specimens can swell to 10 mm and become less distinct in color, resembling a brownish mass. The tick may be partially hidden by cerumen, making visual identification difficult without otoscopic examination.
Typical signs include itching, a crawling sensation, localized pain, and occasional bleeding if the parasite is disturbed. Secondary infection can develop, presenting as erythema, swelling, or purulent discharge. In rare cases, pathogens such as Borrelia spp. or Rickettsia may be transmitted, leading to systemic symptoms like fever, headache, or rash.
Immediate removal procedure
- Assemble sterile instruments: fine-tipped forceps, a blunt ear speculum, antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine), and a clean container for the specimen.
- Position the patient supine, tilt the head to expose the affected ear. Use the speculum to visualize the tick clearly.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with the forceps, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward traction until the mouthparts detach from the canal wall. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave remnants embedded.
- Place the removed tick in a sealed tube with alcohol for identification if needed.
- Irrigate the canal with antiseptic solution, then dry gently with sterile gauze.
- Advise the patient to monitor for persistent pain, swelling, or systemic signs and to seek medical review within 24 hours.
Post‑removal care
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the canal if the skin appears irritated.
- Recommend over‑the‑counter analgesics for discomfort.
- Instruct the patient to avoid inserting objects into the ear, which could dislodge residual parts.
- Schedule a follow‑up examination to confirm complete extraction and assess for infection.
Preventive measures
- Use protective clothing (long sleeves, trousers, tick‑repellent treated gear) when in wooded or grassy environments.
- Perform full‑body tick checks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to the head and neck region.
- Keep ear hair trimmed to reduce attachment sites.
- Maintain a clean, dry ear environment; excess wax can facilitate tick adhesion.
Prompt identification and careful extraction reduce the risk of local complications and vector‑borne disease transmission.