04/20/2026
We are already getting lots of calls and visits about tick bites. A few points:
You can get AHEAD of tick bites by using DEET-containing (ex: OFF! FamilyCare) insect repellant prior to outdoors at all times (for younger kids: spray on your hands and apply like lotion rather than spraying their faces).
Finding ticks early is the key to reducing transition of tick-bourne illnesses. If found: use a tweezer to pull from the base (as close to the skin as possible). DON'T: burn, freeze, use rubbing alcohol, scrape. We do not recommend sending away for testing as this will not necessarily change the recommended medical course of action. Additionally, please do not bring ticks into our office for us to see - we believe you š
If you can find and remove a tick in less than 24-36 hours, it's not engorged - there's nothing to do right away and no need to call us (especially after hours!!) or to schedule a visit. There is an extremely low concern about tick-related illness in this situation (risk is near 0%!) - this is why doing end-of-day, daily tick checks is important.
If ticks have been present for > 36h (or you're not sure) and/or engorged - call us to schedule a visit to discuss further including whether your child is a candidate for antibiotic prophylaxis (one-time dose to prevent Lyme).
Not all tick bites need this, but any request for antibiotic should be discussed at an in-office visit.
After any tick bite: monitor for flu-like illness, bullseye rash expanding in size over days, for the next 4-6 weeks (note: there will be a small red ring around any bite, including ticks, after removal for several days - this is NOT Lyme rash).
