Contributed by: Philip A. Fragassi, MD, Director of Pediatric Residency Program
As the weather warms and you head out to the Metroparks to explore, there’s one tiny hitchhiker to watch out for: ticks.
Ticks are small (deer ticks are the size of sesame seeds). Unlike mosquitos that bite and fly away, ticks bury themselves into the skin.
The chances of getting diseases from ticks, such as Lyme disease, are very small. Yet, it’s good to watch out for them, said Philip A. Fragassi, MD, a MetroHealth pediatrician and Director of Pediatric Residency Program. “Fewer than 1% of people bitten by ticks will get Lyme disease. It’s very rare,” he said. “In some cases, we will recommend a dose of antibiotics after a tick bite – it’s an easy and affordable treatment.”
Dr. Fragassi recommends a “cover, check and catch” approach to being tick smart.
Cover: If your family will be exploring the woods, walking in long grass or camping out at night, cover up. Wear long sleeves. Tuck your pants into your socks. Wear light colors so it’s easier to see ticks.
Check: Ticks love to go to warm areas, such as the groin, under the breasts, armpits and folds of the neck. Check your children when they come inside and again at bath time. Don’t forget to look at your clothing, gear and pets, too.
Catch: It’s important to remove ticks properly. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk—the goal is to remove the tick whole. Put it in a plastic bag. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Found a Tick? Don’t Panic
If you’ve found a tick, there’s no need to panic. Tick bites do not require an emergency department visit. If you’re concerned, go to your nearest MetroHealth Express Care or Urgent Care, or call your pediatrician’s office. If it’s after hours, it’s ok to wait until morning.
When to Call the Doctor
After you remove the tick, monitor your child for:
- A red rash or “bullseye” pattern at the site (may take days to appear)
- Fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches
- Swollen joints or facial drooping (later signs of Lyme disease)
If you see any of these signs—or if you’re unsure how long the tick was attached—call your pediatrician or primary care provider.
Also, call your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider if:
- The tick was attached for more than 24 hours
- You’re not sure how long the tick was there
- The bite becomes red, swollen, or oozes
- Your child develops flu-like symptoms within a few weeks
Some children may be prescribed a preventive dose of antibiotics if the tick was attached long enough and came from a high-risk area. Antibiotics treat Lyme disease.
Know Your Ticks
Learn how to identify deer ticks and dog ticks and the differences between them. If you’re concerned about a tick, put it in a plastic bag, take a picture, and send to your pediatrician or primary care provider via MyChart.
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