What should be done if a tick bites the head? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site and watch for rash, fever, or other symptoms, contacting a healthcare professional if any appear.
What should be done if a tick bites the head? - in detail
A tick attached to the scalp requires prompt, careful handling to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.
First, locate the parasite with good lighting. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, clean the bite site with antiseptic solution and wash hands thoroughly.
Second, preserve the specimen if identification or testing may be needed. Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball, label with date and location, and store at refrigerator temperature (4 °C) until a healthcare professional can assess it.
Third, observe the wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, pus, or a rash expanding beyond the bite. Also monitor for systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or a bull’s‑eye rash, which may indicate tick‑borne illness. Record any such developments and the date of the bite.
Fourth, seek medical evaluation promptly if any of the following occur: difficulty removing the tick, retained mouthparts, signs of infection, or systemic symptoms. A clinician may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics, especially if the tick species is known to carry Lyme disease and removal occurred within 36 hours.
Finally, implement preventive measures: wear a hat or head covering in wooded areas, apply EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or permethrin to clothing, and conduct thorough body checks after outdoor exposure, paying special attention to hair and scalp.
These actions collectively minimize complications associated with a head‑region tick attachment.