What should you do if a tick's mouthpart remains under the skin? - briefly
If the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, grasp them with fine‑pointed tweezers and pull straight upward with steady pressure, avoiding crushing the body. After removal, clean the site with antiseptic and watch for redness or fever.
What should you do if a tick's mouthpart remains under the skin? - in detail
If the mandible of a tick remains lodged in the skin after the body has been removed, act promptly to minimize irritation and infection risk.
First, clean the area with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol. Using a pair of fine‑point, sterile tweezers, grasp the exposed tip of the mouthpart as close to the skin surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, gentle pressure; avoid twisting or squeezing, which can fragment the tissue further. If the fragment is too small to grasp, a sterilized, blunt‑ended needle can be used to lift the tip enough to apply the tweezers.
After extraction, disinfect the wound again and cover it with a clean bandage. Observe the site for signs of redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain over the next 24‑48 hours. Should any of these symptoms develop, or if the fragment cannot be removed safely, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional may employ a small incision, curettage, or topical antiseptic agents to ensure complete removal.
In addition to local care, consider systemic prophylaxis. If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or originates from an area endemic for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑borne illnesses, consult a physician about possible antibiotic therapy. Reporting the incident to local public‑health authorities can aid surveillance of emerging vector‑borne threats.