What should you do if a child has a tick?

What should you do if a child has a tick? - briefly

Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite site, monitor the child for rash or fever, and contact a pediatrician promptly.

What should you do if a child has a tick? - in detail

If a tick is discovered on a child, act promptly to minimize disease risk.

1. Locate the parasite

   • Examine the entire body, focusing on scalp, behind ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between fingers. Use a magnifying glass if needed.

2. Remove the tick safely

   • Choose fine‑pointed tweezers or a tick‑removal tool.
   • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body.
   • Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk.
   • After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if required.

3. Disinfect the bite site

   • Clean the area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol.
   • Wash hands thoroughly after handling the tick.

4. Document details

   • Record the date of removal, the tick’s estimated size, and the attachment duration if known.
   • Note any symptoms the child experiences (fever, rash, headache, fatigue).

5. Monitor for illness

   • Observe the child for up to four weeks.
   • Seek medical evaluation if any of the following appear:
     • Fever ≥ 38 °C (100.4 °F)
     • Expanding red rash, especially a “bull’s‑eye” pattern
     • Joint pain, muscle aches, or neurological signs (e.g., facial palsy, severe headache)

6. Consult a healthcare professional

   • Bring the preserved tick, if available, to the appointment.
   • Discuss prophylactic antibiotics if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours and belonged to a species known to transmit Lyme disease in the region.

7. Prevent future encounters

   • Dress children in long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
   • Apply EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin.
   • Perform a thorough tick check after outdoor activities.
   • Keep lawns mowed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat.

By following these steps, caregivers can effectively eliminate the parasite, reduce infection risk, and ensure timely medical intervention if necessary.