What to smear on a tick so it comes out? - briefly
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a commercial tick‑removal paste to the tick; the coating blocks its breathing pores, causing it to release itself. Remove the tick with fine tweezers as soon as it detaches.
What to smear on a tick so it comes out? - in detail
Applying a suitable topical agent can facilitate the removal of an attached tick by loosening its mouthparts and reducing the risk of tearing the hypostome. The most effective substances are:
- Petroleum‑based products (e.g., petroleum jelly, mineral oil). Coat the tick’s dorsal surface, wait 5–10 minutes, then use fine‑tipped tweezers to pull straight upward with steady pressure.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher). Saturate a cotton swab, dab the tick, allow a brief pause for the cuticle to soften, then grasp the tick close to the skin and extract.
- Lidocaine gel. Apply a thin layer, let it sit for a few minutes to numb the area and relax the attachment, then remove the tick with tweezers.
Avoid substances that may irritate the skin or cause the tick to release saliva, such as petroleum ether or strong solvents. Do not use heat, flames, or chemicals that could kill the tick in place; a dead tick often embeds its mouthparts deeper, increasing the chance of incomplete removal.
Procedure:
- Clean the bite site with soap and water.
- Apply the chosen agent directly onto the tick’s body, covering it completely.
- Wait the recommended time (5–10 minutes for oils, 1–2 minutes for alcohol, 2–3 minutes for lidocaine).
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers.
- Pull upward with even, steady force; do not twist or jerk.
- After extraction, disinfect the area with an antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly.
- Preserve the tick in a sealed container if testing for disease is required; label with date and location.
If the tick’s mouthparts remain embedded, repeat the application of the topical agent and attempt removal again. Persistent fragments should be left alone; the body’s immune response typically expels them without complication. Seek medical advice if redness, swelling, or flu‑like symptoms develop within weeks.