by | Mar 30, 2024 | Family Health
Protecting Your Child from Ticks
It’s that time of year again, time to get back outdoors and visit one of your favorite Gaston County parks. You aren’t sure which mood will strike once you’ve finished your picnic lunch, so your solution is to pack it all—your fishing pole, running sneakers, and your bike. People aren’t the only ones prepared for warmer weather, though, so are hungry ticks!
From April to October, those of us in the Northeast need to be extra cautious as these tiny creatures lurk in grassy areas just waiting to hitch a ride on their next unsuspecting victim. But fear not! With a little knowledge and simple precautions, you and your children can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick bites.
Understanding Ticks
Ticks may seem like just one of a multitude of pesky insects, but they are arachnids and closely related to spiders. Ticks live in wooded areas, tall grass, gardens, and seashores. Unlike some spiders, they do not jump; instead, they wait on grass or leaves with their front legs up, ready to latch onto passing hosts. These hosts can include not only wild animals but also humans. Once attached, ticks seek to camouflage themselves in the hairy areas of the body and begin feasting on bloodmeal from the host. Given their tiny size and preference for hiding, they can be quite difficult to spot.
The Risks of Tick Bites
While most tick bites are harmless, others can lead to serious illnesses. Tick bites can cause reddening of skin, swelling, and a small bump. In 1975, in Lyme Connecticut, a new tick-borne disease was identified, Lyme Disease, caused by the spiral-shaped bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. In the U.S. there are over 300,000 new cases of Lyme Disease diagnosed each year with symptoms that vary according to the length of infection. A tick must remain attached for at least 36 hours for Lyme Disease to pass to a child, allowing time for identification and removal. Lyme Disease is carried by the Blacklegged Deer Tick that is found in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and North Central U.S, and by the Western Blacklegged tick found in the coastal U.S.
The rash associated with Lyme Disease does not always appear. If it does, it can be small or even grow to 12” across. It can be mistaken for hives, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, or a flea bite. It might not be felt, or it might be bothersome. It can also go away and come back.
If you suspect your child has a tick bite, watch for the tell-tell bullseye rash and Lyme’s flu-like symptoms:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Aches and pains in muscles and joints
- Low-grade fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Swollen glands
Aside from the rash, Lyme Disease can have lifelong implications if left untreated which include neurological issues, and heart problems. Up to 60% of those infected and untreated develop Lyme arthritis which occurs when bacteria enter the joints which can cause permanent joint damage.
Other health threats transmitted by lone star ticks found in southern states such as North Carolina and Tennessee include Alpha-gal Syndrome which causes a dangerous meat allergy, and the Heartland virus which manifests with flu-like symptoms, low white blood cell and platelet counts, and potential liver dysfunction.
Tick Bite Identification and Removal
Spotting a tick on your child can be tricky due to their small size. Immediate removal is crucial to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Tick removal:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers which will allow you to grab the tick close to the skin.
- Pull the tick slowly and steadily in an upward motion.
- Do not squeeze the tick’s body- doing so will express any bacteria in your child.
- Don’t touch the tick with your bare hands.
- Take a photo of the tick with your phone and enlarge it to verify the type of tick.
- Put the tick in a container in the freezer in case symptoms develop and your child’s doctor needs to see it
- Wash your hands and the bite site with soap and warm water, rubbing alcohol, or antiseptic cream.
- There are plastic card-type tick removal tools that you can purchase to have on hand in case of a tick bite. Healthcare professionals do not advise the use of petroleum jelly, solvents, knives, or lit matches for tick removal.
- Make sure to monitor your child for any signs of infection or illness.
Bite Prevention
Preventing tick bites is the best defense against tick-borne illnesses. Simple measures like wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing, using insect repellent, and staying on paths away from tall grass and vegetation can significantly reduce the risk. Regularly checking your children for ticks during and after outdoor activities is also essential. Don’t forget to inspect pets, as they can carry ticks into your home.
While ticks are certainly a nuisance and pose a threat to outdoor enthusiasts, knowledge and preventive measures can keep your family safe. By understanding tick behavior, recognizing the signs of tick-borne illnesses, and taking steps to prevent bites, you and your children can enthusiastically enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.
AFC Urgent Care Gastonia provides tick removal services and offers treatment for Lyme Disease symptoms. However, please note that we do not conduct Lyme Disease testing. Our services are available for patients aged 6 months and older.
