What will happen if a tick bites the head? - briefly
A tick attached to the scalp can introduce bacteria or viruses, leading to local redness, swelling, and, if untreated, infections such as Lyme disease that may affect the nervous system. Prompt removal and medical evaluation reduce the risk of serious complications.
What will happen if a tick bites the head? - in detail
A tick that attaches to the scalp penetrates the skin with its hypostome, releasing saliva that contains anticoagulants, anesthetics and potentially infectious agents. Immediate local effects include a small, painless puncture wound surrounded by erythema. The bite site may develop a raised, red ring (target lesion) within 24–48 hours if Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted, indicating early Lyme disease. In regions where tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is endemic, systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness and malaise can appear after an incubation period of 7–14 days.
Potential complications:
- Neurological involvement: meningitis, facial palsy, radiculitis, or encephalitis, especially with delayed treatment.
- Secondary infection: bacterial colonization of the wound if the tick is removed improperly.
- Allergic reaction: local edema or urticaria in sensitive individuals.
Prompt removal reduces pathogen transmission. The correct method:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body.
- Disinfect the bite area and monitor for evolving symptoms for at least four weeks.
- Seek medical evaluation if a rash develops, fever persists, or neurological signs emerge.
Preventive measures include wearing hats in wooded areas, applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and performing thorough body checks after outdoor exposure. Early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline for Lyme disease) or antiviral support for TBE markedly improve prognosis.