What should you do if a tick is torn off and the head remains? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site. Watch for rash or fever and seek medical advice if any symptoms develop.
What should you do if a tick is torn off and the head remains? - in detail
If the tick’s body has been pulled off but the mouthparts are still embedded, act promptly. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; grasp the visible portion as close to the skin as possible. Apply steady, upward pressure without twisting or squeezing the surrounding tissue. Pull straight out until the entire fragment detaches.
After removal, cleanse the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Disinfect the tweezers before and after use. Observe the area for several weeks. A red expanding rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pain may indicate infection and require medical evaluation.
If the mouthpart cannot be extracted with tweezers, do not dig with a needle or burn the skin. Seek professional care; a healthcare provider can remove the fragment safely and assess the need for prophylactic antibiotics, especially in regions where Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses are prevalent.
Document the date of the bite, the estimated duration of tick attachment, and any symptoms that develop. Share this information with a clinician to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and treatment.