It’s a sight that would make any parent’s stomach turn. Finding a tick on your child! Most parents spot the little buggers during bath time, and it’s understandable to have several moments of panic, after all we know ticks carry diseases. To stay calm, you’ll need a plan of action to make sure that tick bite doesn’t turn into something a lot worse.
Here is the safest way to remove a tick:
The Do’s
You’ll want to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Then, pull upward at a slow, even pace. Keep the pressure firm and be sure the head comes out with the body. Next, use alcohol to clean the bite area. Finally, place the tick inside a bag and seal it up. You may need the tick for identification.
The Don’ts
Now, that may sound easy but panic can make parents less likely to follow the steps and rely on methods they may have “heard” can remove ticks. Do not use vaseline, fingernail polish, rubbing alcohol, or any other substance on the tick. You can use alcohol AFTER the tick is removed. Do not attempt to squeeze the tick while it is still embedded in your child’s skin.
If You Can’t Remove The Tick
Ticks can be tricky. Don’t twist or jerk up while removing the tick because you may leave part of the tick behind. If you’ve pulled out the tick but the head is still embedded, don’t keep trying to get it out. Head to your doctor’s office or urgent care and allow them to safely remove the head.
If You Do Remove The Tick
If you manage to get the tick out entirely, your doctor may need the tick to determine what kind of diseases it could be carrying. After tick removal, store it in a sealed plastic bag or container.
Also, start recording information like where the bite occurred, both location on the body and geographical location, and when it occurred. Note how long the tick may have been attached and watch for symptoms like fever or rash. After tick removal, it’s common for the bite to become red and irritated. That’s doesn’t necessarily mean there is an infection.
After removing the tick call your doctor to talk about the next steps. They may want to have the tick tested and place your child on antibiotics.
Act Quickly
It usually takes more than 24 hours – and can take up to 72 hours – for the bacteria from an infected tick to be transferred to the body. That means you can greatly reduce the risk of transmission by performing daily tick checks.
Perform daily tick checks on your children after playing outside or during bath time. Some ticks are so small that they can look like a speck of dirt or a mole, so be thorough.
Prevention
Discovering a tick is stressful for parents, the key to avoiding that situation is prevention. Treat your yard for ticks! Professionals can use children and pet safe methods to eliminate the ticks in the area around your house. Also, keep your yard maintained to minimize the chances of infestation. Ticks can hide in debris and long, overgrown grass.
Have a plan in place for when you discover a tick on your child. Stick to the plan and call your doctor after tick removal.
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