What to do if I have a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure, then disinfect the bite site and wash your hands. Observe the area for several days; seek medical care if redness spreads, a rash appears, or symptoms such as fever develop.
What to do if I have a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
If a tick has become lodged under the skin, act promptly to minimize infection risk. First, confirm the insect’s presence by inspecting the bite site; a small, raised, often dark spot may indicate a partially embedded tick. Do not attempt to dig it out with fingers or a blunt object, as this can rupture the tick’s body and release pathogens.
Use a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, at the head or mouthparts, and apply steady, gentle pressure to pull straight upward. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, disinfect the area with an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol.
Place the extracted tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball for identification if needed, but do not crush it. Preserve the specimen in a refrigerator if testing for disease is planned.
Monitor the bite for 2‑3 weeks. Watch for expanding redness (a “bull’s‑eye” rash), fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation, as they may signal Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑borne illnesses.
If the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin, clean the site with antiseptic and seek professional medical removal to prevent secondary infection. Follow any prescribed antibiotic regimen fully, even if symptoms subside, to ensure adequate treatment.
Prevent future incidents by wearing long sleeves, using EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and performing thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly inspect clothing and pets for attached ticks, and treat lawns with appropriate acaricides when necessary.