What should be done if a tick is found on a child’s head? - briefly
Use fine‑pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the scalp as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure until it releases. Disinfect the area, wash your hands, and consult a healthcare provider promptly to assess the bite and consider prophylactic treatment.
What should be done if a tick is found on a child’s head? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on a child’s scalp, act promptly to remove it and reduce the risk of disease transmission. First, keep the child calm and still; movement can cause the parasite to embed deeper. Locate the tick with a flashlight if necessary and ensure good lighting.
Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body. Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the parasite straight out. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded. After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with a label (date, location) for possible identification.
Clean the bite site with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine. Wash your hands thoroughly. Observe the child for the next several weeks for signs of infection: fever, rash (especially a bullseye pattern), headache, fatigue, or joint pain. If any symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation immediately.
Consult a healthcare professional promptly, especially if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, belongs to a species known to carry Lyme disease or other pathogens, or if the child has a weakened immune system. The clinician may prescribe a single dose of doxycycline as prophylaxis for Lyme disease when appropriate, or recommend further testing.
Document the incident: note the date and time of removal, the tick’s appearance, and any subsequent symptoms. Maintain this record for future medical appointments.