How does a tick look in a human's head? - briefly
«A tick attached to the scalp appears as a small, dome‑shaped, dark brown to grayish oval about the size of a pea when engorged, with its mouthparts embedded in the skin. The surrounding area may show localized redness or a tiny puncture, while the parasite remains a distinct, raised lesion.»
How does a tick look in a human's head? - in detail
A tick attached to a person’s scalp presents a distinct, recognizable form that varies with its feeding stage.
In the unfed (questing) phase the arthropod measures 2–5 mm in length, exhibits a reddish‑brown dorsum, and possesses a flat, oval body. Six legs extend from the anterior margin, each ending in small claws that cling to hair shafts. The capitulum, comprising the hypostome, chelicerae, and palps, protrudes forward and appears as a short, dark projection.
During blood ingestion the tick expands dramatically. After 24 hours of attachment, the body length may reach 5–8 mm, while the width increases to 3–4 mm. The dorsum becomes a glossy, deep amber, sometimes described as “engorged.” The abdomen swells, forming a round, balloon‑like silhouette that can obscure the legs. The capitulum remains visible, though the hypostome may be partially hidden by the engorged cuticle.
The visual transformation continues over the feeding period:
- 1–2 days: slight enlargement, color shifts toward reddish‑brown.
- 3–5 days: pronounced swelling, color deepens to dark brown or black.
- 6–7 days: maximal engorgement, size may exceed 10 mm in length, surface appears smooth and leathery.
Key identifiers for a tick on the head include:
- Oval, flattened body in early stages; rounded, balloon‑shaped abdomen when engorged.
- Uniform coloration that darkens with blood intake.
- Visible mouthparts extending forward from the body.
- Presence of six legs, each bearing small claws that grip hair.
- Absence of wings or antennae, distinguishing it from lice or mites.
Recognition of these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.