Being in nature is a fun and easy way for your child to explore, play, and learn. Unfortunately, it comes with some unpleasant caveats, particularly ticks.
Tick bites in Rockville, MD, are something every Montgomery County parent dreads in summer. The good news is that experts can help you and your child go into nature safely, as well as catch ticks before they cause problems.
Here’s what you need to know and how to check for ticks as part of your child’s healthy habits.
What Ticks Look Like, How to Identify Them, and Common Places They Hide
Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on blood, especially the blood of mammals.
They have oval-shaped bodies and eight legs, and vary in size depending on the exact species and life stage. Some can be as tiny as a poppy seed when unfed, which makes them tricky to identify.
After feeding, they swell up considerably, making them easier to notice.
There are six species of ticks in Maryland, with the deer ticks posing a significant threat as they can transmit Lyme disease.
This insect prefers warm, moist environments and are frequently found in grassy areas, shrubs and bushes, leaf piles, wooded trails, and forest edges. Pets can also carry ticks.
They don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait on the tips of grass or shrubs with outstretched legs, ready to latch onto passing hosts.
Once they find a human to attach themselves to, they begin drawing blood. They often remain attached to your body after they latch onto you.
Ticks generally choose areas like your armpits, around your waist, the back of your knees, groin, hair, inside and around your ears, and inside the belly button.
These are the key areas you’ll want to check on your child when assessing them for ticks after outdoor activities.
Symptoms of a Tick Bite and When to Worry About Lyme Disease in Children
Not all tick bites in Rockville, MD are dangerous. Most of them don’t require treatment after removal of the tick. It’s still better to be safe than sorry and commit these symptoms to memory.
A standard bite causes little to no pain. Your child may experience itching or have a small, red bump at the site, similar to a mosquito bite. These are normal symptoms that don’t require medical attention.
It’s time to visit the pediatrician if your child starts to experience flu-like symptoms, fever and chills, headaches, muscle or joint aches, stiffness in their neck or back, and fatigue.
A rash may develop, specifically a bullseye rash. This is a red ring with a dot in the center. While this is a common indicator of Lyme disease, other rashes can develop that should be assessed.
Facial paralysis can occur, alongside infections and allergic reactions. If you notice any of these symptoms, document them and take photographs as necessary.
You should also visit the doctor if part of the tick remains in your child’s skin, even after attempts of removal.
Advice to Parents on How to Deal With Tick Bites in Rockville, MD
Removal of the tick is the first and most important treatment. This can usually be achieved at home by the parent but it should be done carefully with these steps:
- Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to your child’s skin as possible. Using tweezers can help for a precise grip. Aim for around its head or mouth. A magnifying glass also helps!
- Pull the insect out steadily until it lets go of the skin. Do not twist or wiggle it out. Parts may stay in the skin but come out on their own. The goal is to remove the head and mouth.
- Wash your hands, as well as cleanse the area where your child was bitten. Clean the site with alcohol to further disinfect.
- Do not use a match or petroleum jelly to remove a tick. You want to prevent it from burrowing deeper or releasing more saliva, which increases the chances of transmitting disease.
If you notice the aforementioned symptoms or have unsuccessful tick removal, your child’s care team is able to help you.
They will evaluate the bite site and check for signs of infection and symptoms. They will then assess the risk of exposure to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
An antibiotic will be prescribed if they detect any exposure, preventing disease. If illness is present, treatment plans vary based on symptoms and type of disease.
For Lyme disease in particular, a course of antibiotics is advised. Follow-up care is a must to monitor progress and ensure that your child is healthy.
Easy Safety Tips to Limit Your Child’s Exposure to Ticks Going Forward
Prevention is the best defense against tick bites.
Dress your child in light-colored clothing for easy detection. Long sleeves and pants tucked into boots or shoes limits skin exposure.
Use a tick repellent. DEET is safe for their skin and clothing, and permethrin can be used to treat clothing but not for direct skin contact.
Perform daily tick checks, especially if you cannot avoid high-risk areas. Make sure to treat your pets to prevent bringing these pesky pests indoors.
Stay Safe From Tick Bites in Rockville, MD, This Summer With Guidance From Our Experienced Team at Potomac Pediatrics!
Are you and your child ready to enjoy this summer stress-free? Then it’s time to meet with our primary care team!
We’re here to help you with any of your concerns, from expert advice on identifying tick bites to treating their symptoms.
Call us now at 301-279-6750 for any questions you have or conveniently go online to schedule an appointment!
