A child had a tick removed, what should you do? - briefly
After the tick is taken out, cleanse the bite site with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and watch for redness, fever, or rash over the next few weeks. Contact a pediatrician promptly to verify complete removal and to discuss whether preventive treatment is required.
A child had a tick removed, what should you do? - in detail
When a tick has been taken off a child, immediate steps are essential to reduce the risk of infection.
First, clean the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic wipe. Pat the area dry and apply a mild, non‑irritating antiseptic if desired.
Second, preserve the tick for identification. Place it in a sealed container, a zip‑lock bag, or tape it to a piece of paper. Label with the date of removal and the child’s name. If a health professional requests the specimen, it will aid in diagnosing any tick‑borne disease.
Third, monitor the bite and the child’s health for at least 30 days. Record any of the following signs:
- Redness, swelling, or a rash that expands from the bite site
- Fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches
- Fatigue, joint pain, or nausea
- A “bull’s‑eye” rash (circular with a clear center)
If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly. Provide the healthcare provider with the tick’s description or the preserved specimen.
Fourth, consider a preventive antibiotic regimen only if recommended by a clinician. Certain tick species and prolonged attachment times increase the likelihood of disease transmission, and a doctor may prescribe doxycycline or another appropriate medication.
Fifth, educate the child about avoiding future bites:
- Dress in long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
- Use EPA‑registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
- Perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities, focusing on scalp, behind ears, underarms, and groin
Finally, document the incident in the child’s health record, noting the date, location, tick species (if known), and any follow‑up actions taken. This record supports future medical decisions and helps track exposure patterns.