Ticks are small spider-like creatures that live in grass, bushes, wooded areas, and along seashores. They attach their bodies onto a human or animal host. Ticks prefer hairy areas, such as the scalp, behind the ear, in the armpit and groin, and also between fingers and toes. Tick bites often happen at night and occur more in the spring and summer months.
If you find a tick on your child
Follow these steps:
-
Don't touch the tick with your bare hand.
-
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the tick. Grab the tick firmly by its mouth or head as close to your child's skin as possible.
-
Pull up slowly and steadily without twisting until it lets go. Don't squeeze the tick, and don't use petroleum jelly, solvents, knives, or a lit match to kill the tick.
-
Don’t twist or jerk the tick. This can cause its mouth parts to break off. If the mouth-parts break off and remain in the skin, remove the parts with tweezers. If you can’t remove the mouth with clean tweezers, leave it alone and check with your healthcare provider.
-
Save the tick and place it in a plastic container or bag so it can be tested for disease, if needed.
-
If you don't have a pair of tweezers, take your child to your nearest healthcare facility where the tick can be removed safely.
-
Once removed, wash the area of the bite well with soap and water and apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.
-
Wash your hands for at least 5 minutes with clean, running water and soap when you are done
-
Call your child's healthcare provider to find out about follow-up care.
No matter how careful you are about animals in your home, or how much care you take when your child is outdoors playing, insect bites are sometimes unavoidable.
By staying calm and knowing some basic first aid, you can help your child overcome both the fear and the stress of bites.
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2023
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Staph Infection (MRSA)
Normal staph bacteria are often present on the skin without causing problems, but can cause an infection if they get under it. MRSA bacteria are more aggressive than common staph bacteria, and are resistant to common antibiotics.
When Your Child Has Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a viral infection that is common in children. Fifth disease is also known as slapped cheek disease. Fifth disease usually goes away on its own.
Sunburn
A sunburn is an injury to the skin. It is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Here are some helpful guidelines on sunburn care and prevention.
Lipoma, No Treatment
Learn about lipomas and the signs to look for so you'll know when to call your health care provider.