Discovering a tick bite on your child can be a cause for concern, but knowing how to handle the situation can help ensure their well-being. Hence, this article provides guidance on what to do if you find a tick on your child, highlights the risks and symptoms associated with Lyme disease, and offers suggestions for prevention and treatment.
What to Do If You Find a Tick on Your Child
- First and foremost, carefully remove the tick from your child's skin as fast as possible. You can use tweezers to catch the tick close to the skin's surface.
- Slowly and steadily, pull upward, applying gentle pressure. After removing the tick, clean the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
- It is advisable to save the tick in a sealed container or bag to help identify the tick species if your child develops any symptoms later.
- Monitor your child for signs of illness or symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Risks and Symptoms
A tick bite may sometimes transmit the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
Early symptoms: The initial sign of Lyme disease is often a circular rash called erythema migrans, which expands slowly over time. It may appear at the tick bite site within a few days to weeks. Other early symptoms may include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Later symptoms and risks: If Lyme disease goes untreated, it can progress to more severe symptoms affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. These may include severe headaches, neck stiffness, additional rashes, joint pain and swelling, facial palsy, nerve pain, heart palpitations, and cognitive difficulties.
Prevention & Treatment Options for Tick Bites
- Apply a CDC-recommended tick repellent containing DEET or permethrin to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the product instructions.
- Dress your child in light-colored clothes with long sleeves, full pants, socks, and fully closed shoes.
- After outdoor activities, check your child's body for ticks.
- Create a tick-safe environment by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and creating a border between wooded areas and play areas with wood chips or gravel.
Treatment
You need to remove the tick as mentioned above immediately. However, if the tick still bites the child and they get any symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases, especially Lyme disease, seek professional help. Its treatment usually includes oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Bottom Line
Remember that not all tick bites lead to disease transmission, and most tick bites do not result in serious health problems. However, if you have any concerns, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your child's situation. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and begin developing symptoms, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford today! The center is open seven days a week and always accepts walk-in patients.
