It’s officially the time of year when kids are outside more, which is wonderful. But it also means tick season is in full swing, and as a pediatrician, I get a lot of questions about what to actually do when you find one on your child.

Let’s cut through the noise.

Where Ticks Hide (and It’s Not Where You Think)

Ticks do not fall from trees. That is a common myth worth clearing up right away. They live in tall grass, leaf piles, and the edges of wooded areas, latching on when a person brushes past. After outdoor play, check your child’s entire body, paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, the back of the neck, armpits, belly button, and behind the knees.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

Remove it promptly and calmly. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grab as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat. These methods are not effective and can actually increase the risk of disease transmission.

When to Call Your Pediatrician After a Tick Bite

Most tick bites do not lead to illness, but watch for an expanding red rash (particularly the classic bull’s-eye pattern associated with Lyme disease), fever, fatigue, or joint aches in the days and weeks following a bite. Call your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs, especially if the tick was attached for more than 36 hours. If you live in a Lyme endemic area and you aren’t sure how long the tick has been there (36 hours or more) call your pediatrician to ask about Lyme Prophylaxis. In some cases they may recommend a single dose of an antibiotic called Doxycycline to help prevent Lyme disease.

Tick Prevention Tips for Kids

DEET-based insect repellents (10 to 30% concentration) are safe and effective for children over 2 months of age. Apply to clothing and exposed skin, but avoid the hands, eyes, and mouth. Permethrin can be applied to clothing and gear (not directly to skin). After outdoor play, a shower within 2 hours has been shown to reduce the risk of a tick attaching.

Enjoy every minute of outdoor time this season. With a quick check at the end of the day, you’ve got this!

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/How-To-Remove-A-Tick.aspx