It may seem like there’s nothing wrong when a tick bites you since you don’t usually feel anything, but it’s actually a serious concern, especially if it happens to your child. So, you have to be in the know about tick bites, allowing you to do the right thing in case your child experiences one.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about tick bites.
Let’s get to it!
What Are Ticks?
First, let’s define what ticks are. Ticks are related to spiders. Their family is called the arachnid family. Since they are related to spiders, they also have eight legs with a size that varies from a poppy seed to a number 2 pencil eraser.
What’s disgusting and problematic about ticks is that they attach themselves to humans, four-legged pets, and wild animals to suck blood. They do that because that is their primary source of nutrients to grow their size. Moreover, they remain attached even after they sink their teeth into your skin.
As a parent, you have to be very careful with your child because ticks may creep and crawl to moist areas of your child’s body where they can hide and feed. Then, they bite into your child’s skin and get comfortable.
In Which Areas of the Body Are Ticks Most Likely to Lurk?
As mentioned, ticks creep and crawl in moist areas of the body. Aside from that, they also hide somewhere that’s unnoticeable and in the skin that’s thin enough to puncture easily. To give you an idea, here’s where ticks most likely lurk, so make sure you always check these areas on your child:
- The scalp
- In and around the ears
- Inside the belly button
- In the groin area
- Behind the knees
- Under the armpits
- Around the waist
What Is the Best Thing to Do If You Spot a Tick on Your Child?
Here’s how you can handle a tick if you spot it on your child. The best thing to do is, of course, to remove it. First, you must look for tweezers. Then, use it to grasp the tick gently near the head or the mouth and pull it directly out. If it’s hard to detach, try to hold a flame near the tick because that will make its muscle relax.
Remember, do not crush the tick or twist and turn it to get it out. Or else the body may detach, and you’ll still have a tick head attached to your child’s skin. After removing it, you should put it in a tightly sealed bag and bring it to the doctor as soon as possible to test it for bacteria and determine if your child needs treatment.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases?
Most tick bites are tricky because they may seem harmless and don’t have noticeable symptoms. But, if the symptoms manifest, you can see that your child’s skin will start to swell, burn, or develop rashes or blisters. If the tick has bacteria, be wary because that can be dangerous. You may notice the following symptoms if it’s a tick-borne disease:
- Rash
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Muscle or joint pain
Go to your child’s doctor right away once you suspect that your child is bitten by a tick.
Conclusion
As a parent, you have to be wary about this insect. Ticks may seem tiny, but they can bring big problems to you and your child. Do everything you can to prevent tick bites. Try to stay away from their territory, be particular about your child’s clothing, and apply some repellent on your child’s skin. If your child was already bitten, you should bring them to a doctor right away so that they can give your child the proper treatment.
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