Most tick bites cause only temporary irritation, but some ticks can transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Parents should watch for expanding redness, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes after a bite.
To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp it close to the skin, and pull upward steadily without twisting or crushing it. Afterward, wash the area with soap and water and monitor it over the following weeks.
Prevention includes wearing long clothing, using approved repellents, and checking children carefully after outdoor activities. Most tick encounters do not lead to serious illness, especially when ticks are found and removed quickly.
