Which way should a tick be twisted when removing it? - briefly
Do not twist the tick at all; grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. This method prevents the mouthparts from breaking off and reduces the risk of infection.
Which way should a tick be twisted when removing it? - in detail
When extracting a tick, the first priority is to prevent the mouthparts from breaking off and remaining embedded in the skin. The recommended method is to grasp the tick as close to the host’s epidermis as possible with fine‑point tweezers and apply steady, upward traction. Rotational force is unnecessary and can increase the risk of tearing the tick’s hypostome.
If a twist is employed, the direction of rotation does not affect the outcome; any clockwise or counter‑clockwise motion may cause the same complication—partial detachment of the feeding apparatus. Consequently, most health authorities advise against twisting altogether.
Key points for safe removal:
- Use thin, pointed tweezers; avoid finger‑pinching.
- Position the tweezers as near to the skin surface as feasible.
- Pull upward with even pressure; maintain a straight line of force.
- Do not squeeze the body, do not crush, and avoid any twisting motion.
- After extraction, cleanse the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection or rash.
If a tick breaks apart despite careful handling, cleanse the site and seek medical advice, as retained mouthparts can increase the likelihood of pathogen transmission.