What should you do if a tick is under the skin? - briefly
«Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then cleanse the site with antiseptic and observe for any symptoms». «If removal proves difficult or mouthparts remain embedded, obtain professional medical care».
What should you do if a tick is under the skin? - in detail
When a tick penetrates the epidermis, prompt removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. The following protocol provides a comprehensive approach.
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Apply steady, downward pressure to extract the parasite in a straight motion. Do not twist, jerk, or crush the body, which can cause regurgitation of infectious fluids.
- After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol or a zip‑lock bag for identification if needed. Do not discard it on the spot, as testing may be required.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic solution, such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine, then cover with a sterile bandage if irritation is present.
- Record the date and location of the bite, along with any notable symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain) that develop within the next 30 days. This information assists healthcare providers in assessing potential tick‑borne illnesses.
- Seek medical evaluation promptly if the tick remains attached after several attempts, if the mouthparts are left in the skin, or if systemic symptoms arise. Professional care may involve prescription antibiotics or further diagnostic testing.
«Early removal within 24 hours markedly lowers the probability of disease transmission», according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following the outlined steps ensures thorough management of an embedded tick and supports timely medical intervention when necessary.