How should the head be treated for ticks? - briefly
Remove attached «ticks» from the scalp using fine‑point tweezers, grasping them as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward; then clean the site with an antiseptic solution and monitor for redness or irritation. If irritation develops, seek medical evaluation.
How should the head be treated for ticks? - in detail
Ticks attached to the scalp require prompt removal, thorough disinfection, and monitoring for infection. The procedure begins with visual inspection to locate all engorged specimens. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the abdomen. After extraction, cleanse the bite site with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
Following removal, assess the area for signs of erythema, swelling, or ulceration. If inflammation is present, apply a topical antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin or mupirocin. For extensive lesions, a short course of oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7–10 days) may be indicated, especially in regions where tick‑borne pathogens are prevalent.
Systemic prophylaxis should be considered when the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours or when the species is known to transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other serious infections. A single dose of doxycycline 200 mg administered within 72 hours of removal reduces the risk of Lyme disease in endemic areas.
Patient education includes:
- Avoidance of further exposure by wearing protective headgear in tick‑infested habitats.
- Regular self‑examination after outdoor activities in high‑risk zones.
- Prompt medical consultation if fever, headache, neck stiffness, or a rash develops within weeks of the bite.
Documentation of the incident—date, location, tick identification if possible, and any symptoms—facilitates accurate diagnosis and epidemiological tracking. Continuous follow‑up at 2‑week intervals ensures early detection of delayed complications.