What is a head tick? - briefly
A head tick is the first price change recorded at the start of a trading session, marking the initial movement away from the opening price. It provides the reference point for all subsequent price fluctuations during that session.
What is a head tick? - in detail
A head tick is a parasitic arachnid that attaches to the scalp or skin on the head of a host, typically a mammal. The adult female embeds her mouthparts into the epidermis, creates a small cavity, and feeds on blood for several days to weeks. Unlike many other tick species, head ticks are adapted to remain in the hair or feather coat, making detection more difficult.
Key characteristics include:
- Small, flattened body, usually 2–5 mm in length when unfed.
- Dark brown to reddish coloration, often with a scutum (hard shield) on the dorsal surface.
- Mouthparts positioned forward, facilitating penetration of the thin skin on the scalp.
- Ability to secrete anticoagulant and anti‑inflammatory compounds that reduce host reaction.
The life cycle comprises egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. Each active stage requires a blood meal before molting to the next stage. On the head, larvae and nymphs are especially hard to spot due to their minute size and the density of hair. Adult females may cause localized itching, redness, or a small papule at the attachment site.
Potential health implications:
- Transmission of pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Rickettsia spp., depending on geographic region and tick species.
- Secondary bacterial infection from scratching the bite area.
- Allergic reactions ranging from mild erythema to severe hypersensitivity in susceptible individuals.
Prevention and control measures:
- Regular inspection of the scalp, especially after outdoor activities in tick‑infested habitats.
- Use of approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing and hair.
- Maintaining short hair or regularly grooming long hair to reduce tick attachment opportunities.
- Immediate removal of attached ticks with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping close to the skin, pulling upward with steady pressure, and disinfecting the site afterward.
Proper identification and prompt removal are essential to minimize the risk of disease transmission and avoid complications associated with head‑localized tick infestations.