If a child is bitten by a tick, what should be given? - briefly
Give a single dose of doxycycline appropriate for the child’s age and weight as soon as possible, and clean the bite site with antiseptic while observing for rash, fever, or other signs of infection. If doxycycline is contraindicated, consult a physician for an alternative antibiotic and supportive care.
If a child is bitten by a tick, what should be given? - in detail
When a child is bitten by a tick, the first step is prompt removal of the parasite. Use fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the mouthparts. After extraction, cleanse the bite area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution.
Next, assess the need for medical intervention:
- Prophylactic antibiotics – Administer a single dose of doxycycline (4 mg/kg, maximum 200 mg) within 72 hours if the tick is identified as Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus, the attachment time exceeds 36 hours, and the local incidence of Lyme disease is >20 cases per 100,000 population. For children under 8 years, amoxicillin (50 mg/kg, single dose) is an alternative.
- Vaccination status – Verify that the child’s tetanus immunization is up to date; provide a tetanus‑diphtheria‑pertussis (Tdap) booster if more than 10 years have passed since the last dose.
- Symptom monitoring – Observe the site for erythema migrans, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain over the next 30 days. Record any new rash or systemic signs and seek medical evaluation promptly.
- Allergy considerations – If the child has a known hypersensitivity to doxycycline or amoxicillin, consult a physician for alternative regimens such as cefuroxime or azithromycin.
Finally, educate caregivers on prevention: dress children in long sleeves and pants, apply EPA‑registered repellents containing 20–30 % DEET or picaridin, and conduct thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas.