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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected dear ticks. Tick bites occur most often from May to September. In the United States, Lyme disease is mostly localized to states in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and upper north-central regions.
Lyme disease most often starts with a characteristic “bull's-eye” rash, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and joint aches. The time from infection to onset of rash is usually 1 to 2 weeks, but can be anywhere from 3 to 30 days. If untreated, the disease may go on to cause neurological symptoms such as stiff neck, weak facial muscles, and weakness or numbness of the arms and/or legs. The late stage of infection causes primarily swelling and pain of one or a few joints. Very rarely, Lyme disease can be severe, chronic, and disabling.
The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based primarily on clinical findings. Most patients with early disease are treated based on signs of the disease following a possible or known tick bite. A blood test is also available when the diagnosis is possible but uncertain.
Prevention:
- Avoid tick habitats: Ticks favor a moist, shaded environment, especially areas with leaf litter and low-lying vegetation in wooded, brushy or overgrown grassy habitat.
- Use personal protection measures: If you are going to be in areas that are tick infested, wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be spotted more easily. Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants into socks. Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin. DEET can be used safely on children and adults but should be applied according to guidelines to reduce the possibility of toxicity.
- Perform a tick check and remove attached ticks: The transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 36 hours of tick attachment. Check daily for ticks and promptly remove any attached tick. Embedded ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers. DO NOT use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products. Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick's body away from the skin. The tick's mouthparts may remain in the skin, but do not be alarmed. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are contained in the tick's midgut or salivary glands. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Call the office if:
- You cannot remove an attached tick.
- Fever or rash occurs following a tick bite.
- You have other concerns.
