How to Remove the Embedded Portion of a Tick

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of animals and people. As they feed, they inject bacteria-laden saliva into the bite. When removing a tick, it's easy to accidentally break off the head, leaving it embedded in your skin. This can lead to infection if left untreated. Fortunately the situation, should it occur, is very easily remedied with tweezers and a razor or scalpel.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Tweezers
• Razor blade or scalpel
• Antibacterial soap

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the area using a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol.

• 2

  Grasp the broken-off head in a pair of tweezers. Try to grip it as close to the mandibles as possible. Pull it straight out, without squeezing or twisting, as if you were removing a splinter.

• 3

  Discard the head in the trash.

• 4

  Pinch up the area around the bite if there are still portions of the head and mandibles embedded in your skin.

• 5

  Scrape off any remains of the head and mandibles carefully with a sterilized razor blade or scalpel.

• 6

  Clean the area again with more rubbing alcohol, then wash it with antibacterial soap.