Back from a walk in the woods, a day at the park, an afternoon in the garden… and suddenly, while brushing your child’s hair, your fingers stop on something strange. Too small to be a mole, too still to be an ordinary insect. Every mother knows that moment: that second of hesitation before realizing what it really is. Good news: with the right techniques, the situation can be handled very easily, and without stress.
Why ticks love to hide in hair
Ticks frequent tall grass, bushes, forests, and gardens. They attach themselves to skin or clothing as they pass by, and instinctively seek warm, sheltered areas. The scalp is therefore an ideal place for them: warm, protected, and difficult to inspect.
What makes the situation tricky is that their bites are completely painless. They can remain attached for several hours, or even several days, without the child feeling anything. Hence the importance of a little check-up ritual after each outing.
How to inspect hair effectively
First, place your child in a well-lit area and ask for help from another person if possible. Divide the hair into small sections using clips, and run a fine-toothed comb through the entire scalp. Remember to also check behind the ears, under the armpits, behind the knees, and around the waist.
If the tick is still loose between the strands of hair, without being attached to the skin, gently remove it with tweezers or a tissue. A mild shampoo after inspection can also help remove any remaining parasites that may still be moving.
Removing a tick attached to the scalp: the right steps
Is the tick already attached? Stay calm. Part your hair around the attachment point to get a good look at the area. Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover (available at pharmacies), grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, without squeezing its body.
Next, pull upwards with a firm, steady motion, without twisting. The goal is to remove the entire tick. Afterwards, clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic, then wash your hands thoroughly.
What you absolutely must not do
We’ve all heard old wives’ tales about remedies: applying oil, petroleum jelly, nail polish… Forget all that! These methods are counterproductive and can make removal more difficult. And don’t try to crush the tick with your fingers.
Monitor the following days: signals not to ignore
A little redness in the area after the bite is normal. However, be vigilant in the weeks that follow. Consult a doctor if your child develops: fever, chills, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, or redness that spreads around the bite.
Ticks can transmit certain diseases, such as Lyme disease. If you have kept the tick in a small sealed bag or on tape, tell your doctor: this can help with the assessment.
Preventing future bites
Before each outing in nature, dress your child in protective clothing, preferably light-colored to make ticks easier to spot. Upon returning home, systematically checking their body and hair should quickly become second nature. Don’t forget your pets, who can bring ticks home.
