You’re probably familiar with the little, bloodsucking creatures known as ticks. These pesky critters can be a real nuisance, especially if they attach themselves to you or your pet. This leaves us wondering, can ticks live in human hair?
Ticks can live in human hair. In fact, they can live in any kind of hair, not just in animal furs. However, you have to know that the human scalp is not a suitable habitat for ticks.
It’s too dry and does not provide the right temperature or humidity levels for them to survive.
With that being said, don’t be surprised if a tick falls down on your hair and decides to stay there after your walk in the forest or woods.
While it’s true that they won’t likely stay in your scalp and breed there, a single bite can cause you a lot of discomfort, and may even carry diseases if you don’t remove it immediately.
What to Do If You Find Tick in Your Hair?
Before it even comes to that, it’s best to take some preventive measures. When going outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass or woods, wear long pants and shirts.
Tuck your shirt into your pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks. This will create a physical barrier between your skin and the ticks in the environment.
You should also use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on your clothes. These products will help keep ticks away from your skin.
Last but not least, do a full-body check after coming indoors. This is especially important if you’ve been in an area where ticks are known to live. Check your hair, underarms, groin area, and any other body creases for ticks.
If you do find a tick in your hair, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to remove it safely. The first thing you should do is grab a pair of tweezers and try to grab the tick as close to the head as possible. Gently pull the tick until it lets go of your skin.
If the tick’s body breaks, leave the head in and try to remove it with a cotton swab. Once the tick is out, clean the bite area with soap and water. You can also use antiseptic wipes to disinfect the area. Or better yet, wash your hair and use a lice comb to remove any remaining ticks (if any).
The Dangers of Ticks in Human Hair
Ticks are small, dark-colored creatures with a hard outer shell. They have a four-part body, and they range in size from about the size of a pinhead to the size of a pea. Ticks are related to spiders and mites and are found all over the world.
Ticks feed on the blood of animals and humans. When they bite, they insert their mouthparts into the skin and release a numbing agent that prevents the victim from feeling pain.
While ticks won’t stay in human hair for long, their bites can be quite harmful and may carry diseases such as:
Spotted Fever
Spotted Fever is a tick-borne illness that can be deadly if left untreated. The disease gets its name from the characteristic rash that appears on the skin, often in a circle or oval shape.
The fever itself can be quite high, and other symptoms include chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. The spots are actually small lesions that are caused by the buildup of toxins in the liver.
Other symptoms of spotted fever may include fatigue, weight loss, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and pain in the abdomen.
If not treated quickly, Spotted Fever can lead to organ failure and even death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for recovery.
Fortunately, Spotted Fever is relatively rare in the United States, but it is still important to be aware of the symptoms and to take precautions when spending time in areas where ticks are common.
For those who do contract this potentially debilitating illness, the best defense is often the best offense: knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of spotted fever, and getting prompt treatment if necessary.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick.
Lyme disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue, and neurological problems. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, but if it is not diagnosed early, it can be difficult to treat.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing paralysis, and sometimes, death. This disease is a serious threat to public health, and it is important for people to be aware of the risks. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing the serious complications of Lyme disease.
Powassan Virus Disease
Powassan virus disease is a rare, but serious, illness caused by the Powassan virus. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected tick, and can cause fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and even death.
While the exact incidence of Powassan virus disease is unknown, it is thought to be relatively rare, with only a handful of cases reported each year in the United States.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience seizures, paralysis, and even coma. There is no specific treatment for Powassan virus disease, and patients often require hospitalization for supportive care. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
Final Thoughts
The human hair is not a hospitable environment for ticks, but that doesn’t mean they can’t attach themselves to you while you’re out in nature. Ticks can live in human hair until they are full of blood, at which point they will fall off.
Ticks can also transmit diseases through their bites, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses and to seek medical help if you think you may have been exposed.
Ticks are most often found in wooded or bushy areas, so it’s important to take precautions when spending time in these areas.
Don’t forget to immediately take a shower and wash your hair after spending time outdoors! By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent tick bites and the serious illnesses that they can cause.
