Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are well known for spreading diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others. A common question many people have is – can a tick burrow into your skin or even go as deep as the brain? Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy and behavior of ticks to find out.
Can Ticks Burrow Under the Skin?
Yes, ticks can burrow into the skin and attach themselves. Here’s how it happens:
The Tick’s Mouth and Feeding Parts
Ticks have specialized mouthparts called chelicerae which help them pierce the skin and hold on while feeding. The chelicerae consist of two fang-like structures with serrated edges that can cut into skin. Ticks also secrete a cement-like substance that glues them to the host’s skin.
How Ticks Feed
When a tick finds a potential host, it climbs on and searches for a suitable spot, often somewhere warm, damp and protected like the groin, armpits, and hairline. Once settled, it inserts its chelicerae into the skin, securing itself with the cement-like secretion. It then inserts its feeding tube called the hypostome. This tube has backward-facing barbs which help anchor the tick firmly under the skin as it feeds.
Tick Mouthparts Can Reach Deep
The depth a tick burrows depends on its stage of life. Larval ticks have smaller chelicerae and can only feed superficially on skin. However, adult ticks can sink their feeding parts several millimeters into the skin. Studies show the hypostome can reach about 1-3 mm in humans during feeding.
Can Ticks Burrow Into the Brain?
While ticks can dig into the skin, there is no evidence that they can burrow past the skin tissue and skull bone to reach the brain. Here are some reasons why:
Limited Burrowing Ability
A tick’s chelicerae allow it to tunnel only through soft tissue. Penetrating the tough membrane of the skull and brain is beyond their physical capabilities.
No Incentive to Burrow That Deep
Ticks feed on blood. This is most easily accessible from surface capillaries in the skin. There is no biological advantage for them to tunnel through layers of tissue to find blood vessels in the brain.
Brain Protected by Thick Skull
The skull encases and protects the brain on all sides. It consists of 8 cranial bones fused together, and has a thickness of about 5 to 7 mm. This presents a formidable barrier against any potential burrowing or penetration by external organisms like ticks.
No Pathway to Access the Brain
There is no physical pathway for ticks to access the brain. The ear canal and nasal passage lead only to the inner and middle ear. The tick would have to bore through several inches of bone tissue to reach the brain from there.
Where on the Body Do Ticks Bite?
While they can’t enter the brain, understanding where ticks like to feed on the body can help prevent bites and spot any attached ticks. Common tick biting sites include:
Groin and Armpits
The groin, armpits, and areas where skin folds over itself are popular tick spots. These warm and moist areas attract ticks.
Behind the Knees
The popliteal region behind the knee is another area favored by ticks due to comfort and protection.
Waistline and Belly Button
The waist, stomach, and belly button provide ticks soft skin where they can latch on easily.
Head, Neck and Hairline
Ticks often crawl up to the head and neck and hide out along the hairline. Thoroughly checking the scalp can help find them.
Where Clothes Fit Snugly
Areas where clothes are tight against the skin – like underwear lines, bra straps, and socks – are prime targets for ticks to crawl under and find a feeding spot.
| Body part | Reason tick attracted |
|---|---|
| Groin and armpits | Warm, moist protected skin |
| Behind knees | Comfortable protected area |
| Waist and belly button | Soft skin easy to bite into |
| Head, neck, hairline | Can crawl to these areas and hide in hair |
| Where clothes fit snugly | Can crawl under clothes to skin |
What Does a Tick Look Like on the Skin?
Being able to identify ticks is important to spot them for quick removal. Some tips:
Size of a Tick
Ticks can range from the size of a poppy seed to a pea when fully fed. Nymphs are only about 1-2 mm in diameter. Adult deer ticks get up to 5 mm when engorged with blood.
Color and Markings
Unfed ticks appear brown or black. After feeding, they turn greyish or bluish-green. Tick markings may be spotted or solid patterns. Look for any new speck or spot.
Tick’s Head Embedded in Skin
A feeding tick’s body becomes plump while the head and forelegs remain attached in the skin. Its rear legs may be visible. Its body gets engorged with blood within 36-48 hours.
Hard Tick vs Soft Tick
Ticks have a hard shell (hard ticks) vs a leathery skin (soft ticks). Hard ticks like deer ticks have a shield-like plate called the scutum that covers part of their back.
How to Safely Remove an Embedded Tick
If you find a tick attached to your skin, prompt and proper removal reduces the risk of infection. Here are some dos and don’ts of tick removal:
DO:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick close to the skin.
- Pull gently and steadily upward until the tick lets go.
- Wash the bite area and disinfect.
- Save the tick in a sealed bag for identification.
DON’T:
- Grab or squeeze the tick’s bloated body.
- Twist or jerk the tick – this may break off the head.
- Use hot matches, nail polish, or vaseline to try removing.
- Give up if the mouthparts remain in the skin.
See a doctor if any parts stay embedded or if you develop a rash after.
Protecting Yourself From Tick Bites
You can take these precautions to avoid tick trouble:
- Avoid tall grasses and shrubs when hiking.
- Use EPA approved insect repellent.
- Wear long pants and sleeves outdoors.
- Tuck pant legs into socks.
- Check your body and clothing after being outside.
- Keep lawn mowed and tidy.
- Ask your vet about tick prevention products for pets.
Being vigilant and using common sense goes a long way in preventing tick encounters.
Conclusion
While the idea of ticks burrowing into the brain may sound alarming, their anatomy and behavior makes this impossible. Ticks can only embed themselves in the surface layers of skin. However, prompt tick removal is still vital to avoid transmitting any number of illnesses. With some caution outdoors, checking your body, and proper tick removal, you can enjoy the summer without worrying about ticks making their way further than they should!