What should be done if a tick has gotten under the skin? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; afterwards clean the bite site with antiseptic and watch for any signs of infection.
What should be done if a tick has gotten under the skin? - in detail
When a tick embeds itself beneath the epidermis, immediate and careful removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission and local irritation.
First, expose the bite site. Use a magnifying glass if necessary to see the tick’s mouthparts. Choose a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal hook. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, holding the head or the body at the point where it enters the skin. Apply steady, upward pressure without twisting or jerking; a smooth motion pulls the entire organism out in one piece. Avoid squeezing the abdomen, which can force infected fluids into the host.
After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification or future testing, if required. Clean the puncture area with antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine) and cover with a sterile bandage. Observe the site over the next several days for redness, swelling, or a rash expanding beyond the bite margin. Persistent symptoms, fever, or flu‑like illness warrant prompt medical evaluation.
If the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, do not dig with a needle or attempt to crush them. Apply a small amount of a topical antiseptic and seek professional care; a clinician can safely excise residual parts under sterile conditions.
Additional precautions:
- Wear gloves while handling the tick.
- Dispose of the container by sealing it in a plastic bag before discarding.
- Record the date of removal and the geographic area of exposure for potential reporting to health authorities.
Timely, precise extraction followed by proper wound care and monitoring constitutes the recommended protocol for a tick lodged under the skin.