What to 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, even pressure; then disinfect the bite site and watch for signs of infection or rash. If removal is difficult or the tick’s mouthparts remain, seek medical assistance promptly.
What to do if a tick is under the skin? - in detail
When a tick has penetrated below the surface, immediate removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps precisely.
- Gather equipment: fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, antiseptic solution, disposable gloves, and a sealed container for the specimen.
- Put on gloves to prevent direct contact with the parasite’s saliva.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body.
- Apply steady, gentle upward pressure. Do not twist or crush the tick, as this can force infected fluids into the wound.
- Once the tick detaches, place it in the sealed container. If identification or testing is needed, keep it alive in a moist environment until it can be examined.
- Disinfect the bite site with antiseptic and cover with a clean bandage.
- Record the date of removal and note any visible signs of the tick’s attachment (e.g., a small puncture wound).
After extraction, observe the area for several weeks. Signs that warrant medical evaluation include redness extending beyond the bite, swelling, fever, headache, muscle aches, or a rash resembling a bull’s‑eye. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics can prevent complications such as Lyme disease or other tick‑borne illnesses.
If removal is difficult—if the tick’s head remains embedded or the parasite is firmly lodged—seek professional healthcare assistance. Do not attempt to dig out the mouthparts with a needle or burn the area, as such actions increase tissue damage and infection risk.
Finally, implement preventive measures for future encounters: wear long sleeves, use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities in tick‑infested regions.