How to recognize a tick on the head? - briefly
A small, round parasite attached to the scalp, often dark or reddish, with an engorged abdomen and a clear attachment point at the skin, indicates a tick. Look for a firm, raised bump that remains stationary when hair is brushed and consider magnification for confirmation.
How to recognize a tick on the head? - in detail
Ticks that attach to the scalp present specific visual cues that differentiate them from other scalp conditions. Recognizing these cues prevents prolonged feeding and reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Typical appearance includes a small, oval body ranging from 2 mm (unfed) to 10 mm (engorged). The dorsal surface often displays a brown‑to‑gray coloration with a lighter scutum on the back. The ventral side may appear pinkish when the tick is engorged. Legs are short, eight‑spotted, and positioned near the front of the body. Mouthparts protrude forward, forming a visible “cap” that anchors the tick to the skin.
Key indicators of attachment are:
- Swollen abdomen indicating blood intake.
- Visible cement‑like secretions around the mouthparts.
- Limited movement; ticks remain stationary unless disturbed.
- Presence of a dark, raised area at the attachment site, sometimes accompanied by a small bite mark.
Effective examination follows a systematic approach:
- Ensure adequate lighting; a headlamp or bright lamp reduces shadows.
- Part the hair with a fine‑toothed comb or a clean finger, exposing the scalp in sections.
- Use a magnifying glass (10×–20×) to inspect the exposed skin.
- Look for the characteristic oval shape, distinct scutum, and forward‑projecting mouthparts.
- If a tick is found, note its size, color, and degree of engorgement before removal.
Distinguishing a scalp tick from other entities:
- Dandruff: flaky, white particles without a central body.
- Head lice: smaller (2–4 mm), elongated body, multiple insects moving rapidly.
- Folliculitis or pustules: inflamed, pus‑filled lesions lacking the hard exoskeleton of a tick.
Prompt removal is essential. If the tick is firmly attached, apply fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, grasp the head, and pull upward with steady pressure. After extraction, cleanse the area with antiseptic and monitor for erythema or fever. Persistent symptoms or uncertainty about identification warrant professional medical assessment.