Ticks are small arachnids that live off of the blood of other animals. These tiny creatures, about the size of a pinhead can easily get into your skin without you noticing.
Since they can attach to humans, it is possible for them to attach themselves to your head. This may cause severe allergic reactions. But can you get ticks in your hair like lice?
No – they may get on your scalp, but they cannot live in human hair as lice can. This is because human hair is more hollow than animal fur, and ticks need a warm, moist environment to survive.
So if you find a tick on your head, don’t worry – it’s not going to lay eggs in your hair! However, you should still remove it as soon as possible as there’s still a possibility it could bite you and transmit diseases.
What Does a Tick Bite Look and Feel Like?
Most people know that ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on blood. What many don’t know is that a tick bite can often be difficult to spot.
The bite itself is usually painless, and the tick will often attach itself to a hidden spot on the body, such as the armpit, scalp, or groin.
As the tick feeds, it swells up, and the body often reacts by producing a small bump. This bump may be red, itchy, or inflamed, but it is often not severe enough to cause alarm.
In some cases, however, the body may produce a more severe reaction, including hives or swelling of the lymph nodes.
If you find a tick on your scalp, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. The longer the tick is attached, the greater the risk that you’ll get bitten.
How Do You Check Heavy Hair for Ticks?
If you ever suspect you may have a tick in your hair, there are a few things you can do to check. Although they’re most commonly found in wooded areas, ticks can also hitch a ride into your home on your clothes or pets. If you have heavy hair, checking for ticks can be a challenge.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your hair thoroughly:
Start by combing your hair with a fine-toothed comb. Pay special attention to the hair at the back of your neck and behind your ears, as these are prime locations for ticks.
As you comb, look closely for any small, dark spots. You may need some help from someone else to check hard-to-see areas, such as the back of your head.
If you find a tick, don’t panic! As mentioned earlier, they won’t stay in your head, but they may eventually bite you if they’re not removed. Use a pair of tweezers to gently grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Slowly pull the tick straight out, taking care not to crush it. Once the tick is removed, disinfect the area and wash your hands thoroughly.
If you can, wash your hair to remove any other ticks that may be lurking. Give it a final comb-through to make sure you got them all.
How Do Ticks Get Into Your Hair?
Although ticks attach themselves to pets, they may find a way to climb on their human host as well. Ticks can attach themselves to any part of the body but they are often found in hard-to-reach places like the hairline, scalp, or ears.
Ticks usually enter the hair while a person is outside in areas with high grass or woods. Once a tick gets into your hair, it
Ticks like to attach themselves to areas of the body that are warm and moist, which is why they are often found in the armpits, groin area, and behind the knees. They can also attach themselves to other parts of the body, including the scalp.
While it’s true that ticks can’t stay in human skin and scalp longer, they can pose a lot of health risks and problems like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the most common Lyme disease, and even Powassan virus.
Understanding Different Diseases Caused by Ticks
Pets that are infested with ticks can experience a wide range of health problems, including skin irritation, anemia, and even death. Humans are no exception. Although we may not get bitten as much as pets do, tick bites can still transmit diseases.
There are a few different ways that ticks can transmit diseases to humans. The most common is through the bite itself. When a tick bites, it leaves behind saliva and other fluids that can contain harmful bacteria or viruses. These fluids can then enter the bloodstream and cause infections.
Ticks can also transmit diseases by leaving their feces behind. This happens when the tick defecates while it’s feeding. The feces can contain harmful bacteria or viruses that can cause infections if they come into contact with open wounds or broken skin.
Here are the top 3 diseases caused by ticks on humans:
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a rash that often appears in the shape of a bull’s eye.
Other symptoms can include fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, but if it is not caught early, it can cause serious health problems.
Lyme disease is most commonly acquired in woodland areas where ticks are prevalent, so it is important to take precautions when hiking or camping in these areas.
Wearing long pants and sleeves can help to prevent tick bites, and performing a full body check after spending time outdoors can help to catch any ticks that may have attached themselves.
You may also wear a cap or a hat and wash immediately after returning home to remove any ticks that may be in your hair.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne disease that is caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii. This bacteria is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.
The most common symptom of RMSF is a rash that starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms can include fever, chills, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. RMSF can be treated with antibiotics and may require hospitalization if it is not caught early.
Powassan Virus
Powassan virus is a serious tick-borne illness that can cause severe neurological damage. Symptoms of the Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. The virus can also lead to meningitis, encephalitis, or even death.
There is no specific treatment for the Powassan virus, and it can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. However, if you’ve noticed that you’ve been bitten by a tick and have experienced these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately.
Final Thoughts
One way or another, you may be exposed to areas where ticks are prevalent, and they can get into your skin and head. Although they won’t stay and reproduce in your head just like lice would, a single bite may transmit serious diseases.
Lyme disease is the most common, but Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Powassan virus are also dangers to take into consideration. Remove the tick immediately from your head, wash your hair, and if symptoms persist, see a doctor as soon as possible.
