Ticks

If you live in the NY area then you should be aware of how to protect your family from ticks. The American Academy of Pediatrics has the following recommendations:

How to prevent tick bites

• Avoid places where ticks live. Whenever possible, avoid shaded, moist areas likely to be infested with ticks.
• Cover arms and legs.
• Wear a hat and keep long hair pulled back.
• Wear enclosed shoes or boots, avoid wearing sandals in tick infested areas.
• Use insect repellent.
• After coming indoors, check for ticks.

How to Remove A Tick

• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Be careful not to squeeze the tick’s body.
• Slowly pull the tick away from the skin, straight upward without twisting or crushing it.
• After the tick is out clean the area and your hands with soap and water to prevent catching any tick disease and apply antibiotic ointment if available.

When to call the Doctor

• You can’t remove the tick or the tick’s head.
• Fever or rash develops in the next 2 weeks.
• Bite begins to look infected.
• Your child becomes worse.