What should be done if a tick embeds in the scalp? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the scalp as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the area and monitor for signs of infection. If removal is difficult or symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly.
What should be done if a tick embeds in the scalp? - in detail
When a tick becomes lodged in the hair and scalp, immediate removal is essential to prevent transmission of pathogens. The procedure should follow these steps:
- 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 cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
- After removal, inspect the bite site for any remaining parts. If fragments are visible, repeat the grasp‑and‑pull method until the entire organism is extracted.
- Disinfect the area with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Apply a clean bandage if the skin is irritated.
- Place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol or a zip‑lock bag for identification and possible testing. Record the date of the bite and the location of the encounter.
- Monitor the site over the next 2–4 weeks for signs of infection: erythema, expanding rash, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain. Seek medical evaluation promptly if any of these symptoms develop.
- Consider prophylactic antibiotic therapy if the tick is identified as a carrier of Lyme‑disease‑causing Borrelia species and removal occurred within 72 hours of attachment. Consultation with a healthcare professional determines the need for such treatment.
These actions minimize the risk of disease transmission and ensure proper wound care after a tick attachment on the scalp.