There are many different types of ticks across the country. The deer tick is one which can spread Lyme disease (size of a pinhead). Deer ticks can be found in grassy, wooded areas and can usually be seen in late spring through the first frost in fall. Removing the tick soon after it becomes attached means there is less chance that you/your child will get Lyme disease. The tick needs to be attached for a minimum of 36 hours and be infected with Lyme disease in order to transmit Lyme disease. Not all ticks are infected with Lyme.
HOW TO REMOVE A TICK:
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Grasp the tick firmly with a pair of tweezers close to where the tick has inserted its head on to the skin.
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Pull with firm and steady pressure and straight out without twisting or crushing until the tick releases its grip.
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Cleanse the area with rubbing alcohol.
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Apply an over the counter antibiotic ointment (example – Bacitracin or Neosporin) to the bite area.
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Observe your child for a rash (bulls eye, red or expanding), fever, or flu like symptoms over the next 30 days. Late symptoms can include joint pain and/or swelling.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
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The “bulls eye rash”, or widespread rash can appear anywhere between 3-30 days following the tick bite. Mark on the calendar the day you first noticed the tick was attached to you/your child.
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It is ok if part of the tick remains in your child (as long as the majority of the tick is removed). The important thing to watch for is signs and symptoms of infection. This can include fevers, redness at the site, or drainage from the site of the tick bite.
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If you/your child have been bitten by a tick, they do NOT need to be seen in the office for an appointment.
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Any blood test done will not turn positive for Lyme for 30 days following the bite, so to do blood work prior to that, will not be helpful or give the parent/patient any information.
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The physicians DO NOT recommend prophylaxis (medicine to prevent) for Lyme disease at all. If you/your child have any questions regarding this then the physicians would like you/your child to call the office and/or make an appointment WITH YOU/YOUR CHILD’S PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER to discuss this further.
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DEET may be used safely after 2 months of age. A maximum of 30% DEET is recommended. Children’s DEET products that are 6-10% last 1-2 hrs. Children’s DEET products that are 24-30% last 5-8 hours.
