TICK BITE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TICK BITE

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick.

  • You can't remove the tick.
  • You can't remove tick's head that broke off in the skin. (Note: if the removed tick is moving, it was completely removed).
  • Widespread rash occurs 2 to 14 days following the bite.
  • Fever or severe headache occurs 2 to 14 days following the bite.
  • Bite looks infected (red streaking from the bite area, yellow drainage).  (Note: infection doesn't start until at least 24-48 hours after the bite.)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.
  • Red-ring or bull's eye rash occurs around a deer tick bite (Lyme disease rash begins 3 to 30 days after the bite).
  • Probable deer tick and it was attached for more than 24 hours (or tick appears swollen, not flat).

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Tick bite with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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