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What Are the Best Tips for Removing Tick Heads?

A. Pasbjerg
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024

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.

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.

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.

All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A. Pasbjerg
By A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a All Things Nature contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
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Discussion Comments
By Drentel — On Jun 06, 2014

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.

By Animandel — On Jun 05, 2014

@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.

By Laotionne — On Jun 04, 2014

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.

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a All Things Nature contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
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