An Ohio mother is sharing a chilling account to alert parents about the risks of seed ticks during the summer months. Last year, while playing outside with her daughter, 3-year-old Ava, the little girl came inside after enjoying a sprinkler session and was ready for her nap. While changing her, Ava’s mom, Lisa Thompson, discovered hundreds of tiny black specks on her skin. These turned out to be seed ticks, leading to a lengthy treatment process and extensive testing for Lyme disease.
What Are Seed Ticks?
Seed ticks are the juvenile form of ticks and are so small they can easily be mistaken for dirt. “I thought they were just seeds at first, but when I tried to wipe them off, I realized they were ticks!” Lisa shared on social media after the incident. “It took me almost an hour and a half to remove more than 150 of these tiny ticks from her skin.”
Lisa explained to a local news outlet that it wasn’t until she attempted to brush them off that she noticed they were firmly attached. After spending hours removing the ticks, she gave Ava several baths and administered Benadryl, then washed all her bedding. Since ticks remain a concern, Lisa decided to share her family’s experience again, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
CDC Recommendations for Tick Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that ticks are most active from April to September. To minimize the risk of tick bites, they recommend:
- Avoiding wooded and brushy areas
- Staying in the center of marked trails
- Using insect repellent on skin and clothing that contains at least 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535
It’s crucial for parents to apply these products to their children carefully, avoiding areas like the hands, eyes, and mouth. Additionally, using permethrin on clothing can provide extra protection.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick on yourself or your child, the CDC suggests using tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. It’s important to be patient since seed ticks are smaller than adult ticks, and twisting or jerking can leave parts behind. After removal, place the tick in rubbing alcohol and clean the bite site thoroughly.
If you notice any ticks, it’s advisable to shower promptly to check for any others hiding on your body. A thorough inspection of the entire body is essential, especially in areas like under the arms and around the ears. While it may seem daunting, this check can be done in about ten minutes and is well worth the effort to prevent disease. Families who spend time outdoors should also remember to check their pets for ticks, and wash any clothing worn during the outing in hot water.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms following a tick bite can be unsettling. The day after the encounter, little Ava woke up with a low-grade fever and a swollen lymph node. She was placed on a rigorous treatment plan involving antibiotics and antihistamines, and ultimately required surgery for a cyst that formed. Lisa continues to share their story to help others avoid similar experiences. “I hope to encourage everyone to educate themselves on what to look for and how to prevent tick-related health issues,” she said. “If my post helps even one person, I’ll consider it a success.”
Conclusion
Summarizing, it’s essential for parents to be vigilant about seed ticks, especially during warmer months when they are most active. Regularly checking for ticks and taking preventive measures can help keep your family safe during outdoor activities.