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Heading For the Woods This Summer? Watch Out For Ticks
Sue Hubbard, M.D.
After playing outdoors, your child comes home with a tick embedded in his/her back. You've done your best to remove the dreaded insect but are worried sick that your son or daughter may contract Lyme disease. What should you do?
While many people worry about getting a disease after a tick bite, the actual risk of developing a tick-borne infection is quite low. The risk also depends on the type of tick, the geographic area in which (you or) your child was bitten, and even how long the tick was attached to the skin.
First off, if you go camping or hiking in the woods, always check everyone for ticks at the end of each day. This lets you know that any ticks you find haven't been "feeding" for a lengthy period of time (which is important, as longer attachment is required to pass infection).
If you find a tick, remove it promptly and properly. Use tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, then gently and firmly use steady pressure to pull the tick off. Do NOT try to squeeze or crush the tick, as this can cause it to release fluid which may contain infection-causing organisms.
If you can identify some of the characteristics of the tick (size, color, flat or engorged) it will help determine if you need to be concerned about Lyme disease, which is not very common even in endemic areas.
After the tick is removed, wash the area with soap and water and keep checking the skin for any signs of infection. Remember that illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and other tick-born maladies are infrequent. Watch for symptoms over the next days, including a rash that begins around the area of the bite, or the development of fever, joint pains, shortness of breath, vomiting, or a diffuse rash all over the body.
If any of these symptoms do occur, seek medical attention promptly.
Dr.
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