Where do ticks live on people? - briefly
Ticks attach to warm, moist skin areas, especially the scalp, behind the ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between fingers. They stay hidden under hair or clothing until they detach.
Where do ticks live on people? - in detail
Ticks attach to skin where they can remain concealed and feed undisturbed. The most common sites are warm, moist areas where the skin folds or hair is abundant. Typical locations include:
- Scalp and hairline, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Axillary folds (armpits).
- Groin and inner thigh region.
- Under the breast tissue in women.
- Abdomen, particularly around the belly button.
- Back of the knees and the popliteal fossa.
- Wrist and forearm, especially in individuals who wear long sleeves.
- Around the waistline, including the belt line and lower back.
Ticks also favor sites with limited visibility, such as the scalp, bra line, and areas covered by clothing. Their preference for these regions results from higher temperature, increased humidity, and reduced chance of removal. Detection is most reliable through systematic skin inspection, beginning at the head and moving downward, paying special attention to the listed areas. Prompt removal reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.