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Has summer already passed? Unfortunately, the consequences of walking along forest paths can be very unpleasant. It is very difficult to avoid a tick bite and Lyme disease directly related to it – despite careful observation of the body after such trips. Symptoms of Lyme disease in children may go unnoticed for a long time. Your anxiety should be caused by a child’s learning problem, lack of desire to play or vice versa – hyperactivity. Sometimes erythema migrans also appears. The younger the child, the less characteristic the symptoms and the more difficult it is to diagnose and treat the disease. So how do you learn to recognize it? What treatment methods to choose?
Lyme disease – from a simple tick bite to a serious disease
Lyme disease is most often associated as a consequence of a tick bite that carries the bacterium responsible for this disease. This dangerous arachnid is particularly fond of hard-to-reach places – around the head, in the bends of the joints, arms, legs, under the armpit.
How to recognize Lyme disease in children?
Typically, a tick bite is associated with the occurrence of erythema in this place. Unfortunately, this pronounced symptom occurs in only 10% of children. Therefore, the task of the parent is to carefully observe the child and try to recognize additional symptoms that will indicate a bite. Headaches, muscle and joint pains may appear; apathy, irritability; quick fatigability; impaired concentration and memory; reluctance to participate in physical games; hypersensitivity to sound and light; problems with sleeping. Sometimes ADHD symptoms are also present.
Lyme disease – the key to proper diagnosis
If you are convinced that a bite has occurred, then you can decide to have a test to detect the DNA of the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Unfortunately, it is not reimbursed – you will have to spend about PLN 200 on it. The immediate consequence of the test is to undergo a check-up after 4-6 weeks to determine the presence of anti-spirochete antibodies.
How to treat Lyme disease in a child?
In the treatment of children, antibiotics are usually used, basing the dosage on the child’s age and weight. Usually, treatment takes about 4 weeks.
A tick on a child’s skin! What to do?
The basis of action in case of noticing a tick on a child is to get rid of it as soon as possible, thus minimizing the risk of infection with Lyme disease. If you are unsure of your abilities, see your doctor as soon as possible. Accessories available at the pharmacy are also helpful.
Do it yourself!
- Find a pointed tweezer and sterilize it.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Gently but firmly pull it up.
- Put it on a piece of paper, check if you managed to pull the tick out completely.
- Disinfect the bite site with alcohol and put on gauze.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, disinfect the puncture site with hydrogen peroxide or 40% alcohol, and observe carefully. If you notice any changes, consult your doctor.
Things to remember if you’re pulling a tick without anyone’s help!
- Do not grab the tick by the belly, as you can squeeze the infected fluid into the body.
- Do not twist the tick as its head may remain.
- Do not lubricate the tick with petroleum jelly, butter, varnish, alcohol and other preparations. This can make the tick vomit and increase the risk of infection.
- Do not remove the tick with your bare hands or nail forceps, as you may not be able to do it properly. Help yourself with the accessories intended for this purpose.