Question

Which of the following is the best way to remove an embedded tick from the skin? Scrape it away slowly and steadily using your fingernail or a plastic card.

Pull slowly, steadily and firmly upward with fine-tipped pointed, non-etched, non-rasped tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
Apply petroleum jelly to coat the tick, allowing the tick to then let go by itself.
Apply both an antiseptic and antibiotic to the affected area to kill the tick so it can be washed away.

Answer 1

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove an embedded tick by pulling upwards, avoiding squeezing the tick's body. Disinfect the area afterward and monitor for infection. Do not use chemicals or heat for tick removal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to remove an embedded tick from the skin is to use fine-tipped tweezers, pulling slowly, steadily, and firmly upward as close to the skin as possible. It is important to avoid crushing the tick's body and to not handle the tick with bare hands, as this can increase the chance of transmitting tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Following tick removal, one should

• Disinfect the site of the bite thoroughly with an antiseptic such as isopropanol
• Monitor the area for any signs of infection or rashes

It is critical to avoid using chemicals like petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or heat to remove ticks, as these methods could cause the tick to release fluids, raising the risk of infection.