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What Are the Best Tips for Removing Tick Heads?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

When a tick attaches itself to a person's skin, its head is typically embedded under the skin to some extent, and it is important to try to remove the entire insect including the head. If possible, one should try to extract the head along with the body by firmly and steadily pulling it away with tweezers. Should the head break off during this process, a sterile needle or razor blade may be used to gently tease or scrape it out of the skin. It is also important to remember to keep the area clean while removing tick heads. Those who are unable to get the head out themselves may wish to have a doctor help.

Ideally, when one is removing a tick, the head will come out along with the body. This can be accomplished if one carefully grasps the tick with a pair of blunt tweezers near its mouth, as close to the skin as possible. The tick should then be drawn straight away from the skin in a steady motion, without jerking or twisting, as this can break the body away from the head and leave it in the skin.

It's important to remove all parts of a tick from the bite.
It's important to remove all parts of a tick from the bite.

In instances where the bodies break away, removing tick heads can be achieved by using a razor blade or needle. The skin where the head is embedded can be pinched to make it protrude slightly. A razor blade can then be gently scraped over the skin to bring the head out. Alternatively, a needle may be used to break the top layer of skin and tease the head out like a splinter. In either case, the chosen instrument should be sterilized prior to use.

Take special care when removing a tick so that a health professional can later inspect it for disease.
Take special care when removing a tick so that a health professional can later inspect it for disease.

When removing tick heads, one should take precautions to help prevent infection. Alcohol on a cotton ball can be used around the tick head prior to extraction. After it is out, the bite should be cleaned again with alcohol or soap and water. It is also a good idea to wash one's hands before and after removing it.

If home methods are ineffective, one might seek a doctor's or veterinarian's assistance for removing tick heads. The doctor may have better instruments to get them out and will be able to help if they are in too deep. He or she may also be able to give advice on whether the tick should be tested for Lyme disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to remove a tick head that's left behind after the body is removed?

Tick heads can be removed by grabbing a hold of it with tweezers and steadily pulling it out.
Tick heads can be removed by grabbing a hold of it with tweezers and steadily pulling it out.

The safest way to remove a tick head is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin's surface as possible and gently pull straight out. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If remnants persist, seek medical attention.

Should I apply substances like petroleum jelly or nail polish to remove a tick head?

Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.

No, applying substances like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to the tick head is not recommended. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these methods do not effectively remove ticks and may increase the risk of transmitting pathogens by irritating the tick.

How do I disinfect the area after removing a tick head?

After removing a tick head, clean the area with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or an iodine scrub. This helps prevent infection at the site of the bite. Additionally, washing your hands thoroughly is important to avoid any potential contamination or spread of pathogens.

What are the signs of infection after a tick head has been removed?

Signs of infection following tick head removal include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain at the bite site. Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms can also indicate a tick-borne illness. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper treatment.

How can I tell if all parts of the tick have been removed?

After removal, inspect the bite site to ensure no parts of the tick remain. A completely removed tick will typically include the body and the head, with visible mouth-parts. If you see anything resembling small black specks or if the area remains irritated, part of the tick might still be embedded.

Is it necessary to save the removed tick or tick head for identification?

It can be helpful to save the removed tick or tick head in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball for identification, especially if you develop symptoms. Health professionals or local health departments can analyze the tick to determine the species and potential risk of disease transmission.

Discussion Comments

Drentel

I have used hot match heads to remove ticks that refused to let go of my skin. I agree with the article that tweezers are the best way to remove the pests, but when this doesn't work, a hot match can do the trick. Strike the match, let it burn out and then place the head of the match on the ticks body and that should cause him to release his hold.

I don't usually worry about tick bites unless the tick is a deer tick since they are known to spread Lyme disease, but there are other diseases that can be spread by ticks, so you should keep an eye on any tick bite and see what happens to the area.

Animandel

@Laotionne -Ideally, when you discover a tick attached to your body you should remove it, kill it, keep the body and then go visit a doctor. However, most people are not going to go to such measures and most of the time a tick bite does not lead to you getting a disease.

However, if you get a tick bite and have to resort to some of the extra measures mentioned in the article to remove the tick and the head then you might want to see a doctor. Though, when a tick does bite you the first signs of disease is usually a rash, so that is something to be on the look out for.

Laotionne

Shouldn't you go to a doctor whenever you find a tick on your body? Otherwise how will you know whether the tick has a disease? What I am saying is you should go to the doctor when the tick bites you and is still there on your skin sucking your blood when you notice it. If the tick is simply crawling on you then I would think you are probably okay in not seeking medical help.

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    • It's important to remove all parts of a tick from the bite.
      By: Carolina K Smith MD
      It's important to remove all parts of a tick from the bite.
    • Take special care when removing a tick so that a health professional can later inspect it for disease.
      By: Viktor
      Take special care when removing a tick so that a health professional can later inspect it for disease.
    • Tick heads can be removed by grabbing a hold of it with tweezers and steadily pulling it out.
      By: Tarzhanova
      Tick heads can be removed by grabbing a hold of it with tweezers and steadily pulling it out.
    • Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.
      By: Viktor
      Depending on their sex and type, ticks can expand to different sizes -- as big as a grape or as small as an apple seed -- when feeding on blood.