Should You Be Worried?
A tick found crawling on the skin is different from one that has already attached and fed. If the tick was simply crawling and was removed before attaching, the situation is generally less concerning.
Still, it’s important to check your child carefully after outdoor activities. Ticks can hide in areas such as the hairline, behind the ears, around the waist, and in skin folds.
Some ticks can transmit infections, so an attached tick should be removed promptly. The CDC recommends removing an attached tick as soon as possible.
What Should You Do If a Tick Is Attached?
If you find a tick attached to the skin:
- Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward slowly with steady pressure.
- Avoid twisting or jerking the tick.
- Clean the bite area and your hands afterward with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Avoid trying to remove a tick with petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances. The CDC specifically advises against these methods.
Keep an Eye on the Bite
After a tick exposure, monitor your child for changes in the following days and weeks.
Possible symptoms of tick-borne illness can include fever, rash, unusual tiredness, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain. If your child develops concerning symptoms after a tick bite, contact a healthcare professional and mention the tick exposure.
