Just found tick in toddlers hair & am panicking...

[monkeybumsmum]

Have managed to get it out, legs intact, but am panicking that he's going to get Lyme's Disease. I know you shouldn't touch ticks, let alone actually have one attached to you.

Does anyone know anything about the risks of getting this disease?? Feel worried sick about it Is there anything I need to do other than douse his head in antiseptic?

[walkthedinosaur]

I think if the tick was fairly large then it's not the kind of tick that would carry Lyme's Disease, that tick is really small the size of a pin head.

One bit me a few years ago and I didn't even know about it at all until the bullseye mark came up on my leg and it was unbelievably painful.

Just keep an eye on him for any red marks that look like a bullseye, if the doctors do suspect Lyme's Disease they can prescribe antibiotics, but they are really, really strong and I felt wasted for the three weeks I was on them - didn't dare drive or anything.

[monkeybumsmum]

It was a small one...
How soon did the mark come up after the bite? Did the antibiotics get rid of it all? Poor you having to go through that

[BrigitBigKnickers]

DD2 got a tick when we were at Centreparcs some years ago now. I was getting her dressed when I spotted a mole that I didn't remember seeing before. Then realised the mole had legs.
. Much screaming and hand flapping ensued (me that is DD was totally unphased).

We went to the nurse who suffocated it with vaseline then screwed it out with a pair of tweezers. SHe said it hadn't been there long (they get bigger the more blood they consume )DD was absolutely fine.

Just be vigilant to check that the area around the tick bite does not become red and hot.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

DD got a tick on her leg a couple of months ago, was firmly attached. I spotted it in the bath and ran off to get something to suffocate it with and while out the room DH just pulled it out. She did get a red mark which was there for a few days, I think the mark came u within an hour. But no symptoms of lyme disease.

[mrsdisorganised]

I wouldn't worry too much unless there is a bulls eye red ring around where the tick was (as already said).

I have just finished taking at least 30 (not joking) ticks out of dd1 who has spent the day hill walking, she must have gone through a nest! This isn't the first time either, we have alot here (Highlands) and it's common to take them of ourselves, dd's and pets everyday if we've been outside. The big red 'deer ticks' are not nice and I think have a higher rate of carrying disease (don't quote me though!)although we've had them we've avoided lymes so far!

Hope your ds is ok

[monkeybumsmum]

It's horrible isn't it. I used the dogs tick remover which is very easy, but am just so freaked out that he's had one in his hair. Am just about to start washing dogs bedding in case there are any stray ones in there.
Will keep checking his head, thanks Brigit

I'm itchy all over

[monkeybumsmum]

mrsdisorganised, just read your post I feel instantly calmer, but your poor dd!!! Did she feel them? Not sure whether they hurt or not
Thanks for the reassurance!

[mrsdisorganised]

No didn't feel them (seems to actually 'attract' them) but be warned sometimes when they're pulled out the skin can be quite itchy for a while, I put tea tree oil on which seems to relieve the itching.

[monkeybumsmum]

Poor girl... Thanks for the advice

[lisad123]

i learnt something new today, never knew ticks went into humans, just thought dogs

[monkeybumsmum]

Yeah, it's horrible isn't it

[acebaby]

poor you. We have had loads (live in woods with lots of deer). The doctor here said as long as they are removed within 24 hours they are very very unlikely to cause lymes disease but to look out for the bullseye rash. Poor DS2 got one when he was only 2 days old (probably brought in by DS1). I check the children from top to toe every night before their baths, including behind ears, in hair and under arms.

To remove them, just pull them out very very slowly with tweezers so that the head isn't left in. You will need to ensure that your DC stays still (easier said than done I know).

[monkeybumsmum]

Oh your poor ds2!! They're horrible things aren't they. DH told me last night that apparently one fell onto our cleaning lady's head whilst upstairs a few weeks ago Haven't a clue how it got there. DH said casually 'oh it's probably from the rats in the attic' Cue a sleepless night for me...

Thanks for letting me know what your doctor said - I think the one my ds had had only just got on there as it wasn't swollen up yet.
Good luck with the ones you find!

[TwoHot]

My DS seems to attract them too. The nurse at the surgery gave us two plastic gadgets for getting them out, you kind of twist them. Its just one of those things that arnt nice but you deal with.