Christine
As adventurous parents, you’re probably familiar with the joys of getting your kids outside to explore nature—hiking, camping, playing in the woods, and making memories under the sun. But with all those outdoor adventures comes a hidden danger: ticks. These tiny, sneaky creatures can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, making it crucial to stay vigilant. One of the best ways to protect your children is to learn how to check for ticks properly and teach older kids to check themselves, too. And if you notice any signs of illness, don’t hesitate to get them to a doctor. Time is of the essence with Lyme disease.
Why Ticks Are a Problem
Ticks are tricky little pests. They latch onto warm-blooded animals (like humans) to feed on blood, and in doing so, they can transmit diseases. Lyme disease is the most well-known, but ticks can also carry other illnesses like anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease, in particular, can cause long-term health problems if not treated promptly, including joint pain, fatigue, and even neurological issues.
The challenge with ticks is that they’re often so small, they can go unnoticed for hours—or even days—while they feed. Deer ticks, which are known carriers of Lyme disease, can be as tiny as a poppy seed in their early stages. Because of this, tick checks should be part of your family’s outdoor routine, especially after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
Checking Your Kids for Ticks
After a fun day in the great outdoors, it’s time to perform a thorough tick check. When you get home, or even before getting back in the car, take a moment to inspect your child’s skin. Start by examining areas where ticks love to hide: behind the ears, along the hairline, under the arms, behind the knees, between the toes, and in the groin area. Ticks prefer warm, moist areas, so these are their favorite spots to attach themselves.
Check the scalp, especially if your child has longer hair. Ticks can crawl into the hairline and burrow there, making them harder to find. Run your fingers through their hair and look for any bumps or unusual spots. It’s a good idea to use a fine-tooth comb to part the hair in sections for a closer inspection.
Take your time—these critters are tiny and easy to miss. Sometimes they can look like a freckle or a piece of dirt, but with closer inspection, you’ll notice their legs or the fact that they’re slightly raised above the skin. Be patient and methodical, because catching a tick early can make all the difference in preventing disease.
How to Remove a Tick
If you do find a tick on your child, don’t panic. Removing it quickly and properly is important. Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If that happens, remove the remaining parts with the tweezers if possible, or see a doctor to ensure it’s completely gone.
After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. You may also want to save the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag for identification, should symptoms of illness develop. This can help doctors determine the risk of Lyme disease or other infections.
Teaching Older Kids to Check Themselves
As kids get older, they may want more independence during outdoor adventures. Maybe they’re heading off to summer camp, going on hikes with friends, or spending time in the woods on their own. It’s essential to teach them how to check for ticks on themselves to stay safe.
Explain why it’s important in a way that resonates with them. You might say something like, “We love exploring the outdoors, but ticks are out there, too, and we don’t want to bring them home.” Encourage them to do a full-body tick check whenever they come back from an outdoor activity, and remind them of the places ticks like to hide, such as behind the ears and under the arms.
Get them into the habit of changing clothes and taking a shower after being outdoors. This not only helps wash away ticks that haven’t attached yet but also gives them a chance to do a more thorough check. Consider keeping a mirror handy in the bathroom or their room so they can inspect hard-to-see areas, like the back of their neck or behind their knees.
Signs of Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses
Even with the best tick-checking routine, sometimes a tick can slip by unnoticed. That’s why it’s equally important to know the early signs of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, so you can act quickly if needed.
The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is the appearance of a rash at the site of the tick bite. This rash often looks like a bullseye—red in the center with a clear ring around it and another red circle on the outer edge. However, not everyone with Lyme disease gets this classic rash, so don’t rely solely on its appearance. Other early symptoms include fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain. If your child develops any of these symptoms after a tick bite, it’s time to see the doctor.
Be aware that tick-borne illnesses can sometimes take weeks to show up. If your child starts feeling unusually tired, achy, or flu-like within a month of being in a tick-prone area, don’t brush it off as a regular cold. These could be signs of Lyme disease or another illness.
Insist on Medical Attention
Here’s the crucial part: if you suspect your child may have been bitten by a tick and is showing any symptoms, don’t wait. Time is critical when it comes to Lyme disease. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat. If left untreated, Lyme can lead to more serious health problems, including arthritis, heart issues, and even nerve damage.
When you take your child to the doctor, insist that they are evaluated for tick-borne illnesses. Not all doctors are immediately on high alert for Lyme disease, especially if you don’t live in an area where it’s common. Explain your concern, mention any tick bites you know of, and ask for tests if necessary. Lyme disease can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other illnesses, but early intervention with antibiotics can make a huge difference in recovery.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
As much as we love the thrill of outdoor adventures, ticks are an inevitable part of the experience. The good news is that with a little vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Regular tick checks, educating your kids, and knowing the signs of illness are all key steps in keeping your family safe. And remember—if something feels off, trust your instincts and get your child to a doctor right away.
So, keep adventuring! Enjoy those long hikes, backyard explorations, and camping trips with peace of mind, knowing you’re equipped to handle any tick that might cross your path. Happy exploring!
