What should be used to remove ticks from a person? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body. After removal, disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic solution.
What should be used to remove ticks from a person? - in detail
Effective tick extraction requires a tool that grips the mouthparts without crushing the body. Fine‑tipped tweezers, preferably flat‑point or curved‑tip design, provide the necessary precision. The tips should be smooth to avoid slippage and strong enough to maintain a firm hold.
The removal procedure follows a strict sequence:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, securing the head and mouthparts.
- Apply steady, downward pressure; pull straight upward with constant force.
- Avoid twisting, jerking, or squeezing the abdomen, which can cause regurgitation of pathogen‑laden fluids.
- After extraction, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol.
- Preserve the tick in a sealed container with alcohol if laboratory identification is required.
If tweezers are unavailable, a specialized tick removal device – a plastic, notch‑shaped applicator – can be employed. The device slides under the tick, lifts it away from the skin, and releases it without direct compression.
Following removal, observe the site for signs of infection: redness extending beyond the bite, swelling, or a rash. Seek medical evaluation if such symptoms develop, especially after exposure to known disease‑carrying species.