Are you worried if you see a tick on your child? (Tick Removal) Let's see exactly what to do!

If you're playing with your child or washing them, and suddenly see a small black creature clinging to their skin! It's scary, isn't it? Yes, it's probably a flea. It's normal to feel a little nervous when you see it, but don't panic. Today, we're going to talk about these fleas, and how to get rid of them without causing any harm to your child.

What is a tick? Why are we so afraid of them?

Simply put, fleas are small, eight-legged creatures that are somewhat related to the spider family. Strictly speaking, they are parasites. This means that they live by sucking the blood of other animals (and sometimes even humans). You've probably seen them hanging around on your dog or cat.

These fleas often live in areas with lots of grass, bushes, or trees. So when your child goes outside to play, they may accidentally pick up a flea.

Why should we care so much about fleas?

Well, the main reason is that these fleas can transmit some diseases. When they suck blood from one animal and then move to another person, the germs that were in the blood of that previous animal can be transferred to the new person. In some countries, serious diseases like Lyme disease are also transmitted by fleas. Although Lyme disease is not very common in our country, fleas can cause other diseases, such as fevers and skin infections. That is why it is important to remove a flea as soon as you see it and be careful afterwards.

Remember, not all fleas carry disease. Also, there is no guarantee that a flea bite will cause a disease. However, it is better to be careful.

Oh! There's a flea on my child! What do I do now?

Okay, so you saw a flea on your child. The first thing is, don't panic. Take a breath and calm down. If you panic, your child will be scared too.

Second, you need to remove the flea as soon as possible. This is because the chances of transmitting disease increase after a flea has been attached to the skin for about 24-48 hours. So the sooner you remove it, the better.

The most important thing: Some people use old-fashioned methods to get rid of fleas. Things like burning them with a match, applying petroleum jelly, or applying nail polish. Oh, never do these things! Doing so will scare the flea and cause it to regurgitate its contents (possibly with germs) back into the wound. This increases the risk of getting sick. So, let's take a look at how to get rid of fleas safely and effectively.

Here's how to get rid of fleas: Step by step

This requires a little patience, but it's not difficult.

1. Things to prepare

Before removing fleas, prepare the following items:

• Fine-tipped tweezers: This is the most important tool. Fine-tipped tweezers, like the ones you usually use to trim eyelashes, are best because they make it easier to grab the flea close to the skin.
• A magnifying glass: This is very helpful if you have one. You can clearly see the flea and where it is attached to the skin.
• Gloves: If possible, wear gloves on both hands. Or wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterward.
• Antiseptic: After removing the tick, clean the wound with an antiseptic such as Povidone-iodine, Savlon, or Dettol.
• A small bottle or jar with a lid: Place the removed flea in it. (Sometimes a doctor may want to look at the flea if the child has any symptoms.)

2. How to catch a flea

Okay, now you're all set. Here's how to catch a flea:

• With those sharp tweezers, grab the flea as close to the skin as possible . That is, as close as possible to where the flea's head or mouth is attached to the skin.
• Important: Do not squeeze the flea's abdomen too hard. If you do, as mentioned earlier, the contents of its abdomen can get into the wound.

3. How to pull out a flea

Now is the most important time.

• Once you have a firm grip on the flea with the forceps, slowly and steadily pull it straight up. Imagine that you are pulling a small stick up from the ground.
• Do not twist or shake the flea from side to side. Doing so can cause the flea's mouth parts to break off and become stuck in the skin.
• If you pull it continuously for a while, the flea will come off the skin.

4. What if a flea's head gets stuck in the skin?

Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, a small piece of the flea's head or part of its mouth can get stuck in the skin. If that happens , don't panic.

• Do not try to remove the small piece with tweezers. Doing so will damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.
• Usually, that small piece of skin that remains falls out on its own in a few days, like a small thorn.
• All you need to do is keep the area clean with a good disinfectant.

What do you do after removing a flea?

Okay, you've successfully gotten rid of the fleas! Now do these things.

• Dispose of the tick properly:
• Place the removed flea in a small bottle with some alcohol.
• Otherwise, put it in a small container that can be tightly closed (as mentioned earlier, in case you need to show it to a doctor).
• Another method is to wrap it tightly in sellotape and put it in the trash can.
• Or you can flush it down the toilet.
• Never crush it by hand.
• Clean the wound:
• Wash the area where the fleas were with soap and water.
• Then, apply some antiseptic solution.
• Wash your hands:
• Since you touched the flea, wash your hands thoroughly with soap for about a minute.
• Observe the child and the wound:
• Over the next few weeks, pay close attention to the site of the child's injury and their general well-being.
• It's normal to have a small red spot, a little swelling, or a little itching for a few days where the flea was. Don't worry about that.
• However, if the wound becomes excessively red, swollen, or pus is coming out, or if your child develops symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, you should definitely see a doctor.
• Some flea-borne diseases (such as Lyme disease) can cause a distinctive bull's-eye rash. But this doesn't always happen. So be aware of any unusual rash.

Never do these things! (A reminder)

No matter how much I say this, it's not enough, because people still do these wrong things.

• To get rid of fleas, do not heat them with matches or lighters.
• Do not put things like Vaseline/petroleum jelly, nail polish, or alcohol on a flea while it is on your skin.
• Do not squeeze, crush, or scratch the flea while it is still on the skin.

These methods only scare the flea, causing it to inject its saliva and stomach contents (along with the toxins) into the wound more quickly. This only increases the risk of developing disease.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Usually, you don't need to see a doctor every time you have a flea infestation. However, you should definitely seek medical advice in the following cases:

• If you can't completely remove the flea, especially if it feels like a large piece is stuck inside the head, you're worried about it.
• If you develop an unusual rash where the flea was or anywhere else on your body (it doesn't matter if it's a round rash, a spotty rash, a large red spot, whatever it is).
• If your child develops symptoms of a cold or flu, such as fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, within a few weeks of the bite.
• If the area where the flea bite occurred appears to be infected (that is, if the redness, swelling, pain increases day by day, or if there is pus).
• If you have a lot of fear or doubt about this, it's normal for a mother or father to feel that way about their child. If you have any doubts, it's best to see a doctor and get it resolved.

A few tips to stay away from fleas

Just as it is important to do what you can to avoid fleas, it is also important to avoid fleas as much as possible.

• When playing outdoors:
• When taking your child to grassy, ​​bushy, or wooded areas, dress them in clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. It's even better if you can tuck the bottom of your pants into your socks.
• Wear light-colored clothes so that you can easily see if a flea is on your clothes.
• If possible, use an insect repellent that is safe for children. Some contain chemicals like DEET or Picaridin . When using them, follow the directions on the bottle carefully, especially when using them on young children.
• When traveling on forest roads, try to stay in the middle of the road as much as possible, to minimize contact with the grass and bushes on either side.
• After returning home:
• Check your child's clothes carefully after they come home from the outdoors. If possible, put them in the washing machine and tumble dry them on a hot setting for 10-15 minutes. This will kill any fleas hiding in the clothes.
• Bathe the baby as soon as possible.
• After bathing, check your child's entire body. Pay special attention to the following areas: the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin area, behind the knees, and around the ears. Fleas like to hide in warm, dark places like these.
• Domestic animals:
• If you have dogs or cats at home, check them regularly for fleas. Ask your veterinarian about flea treatments (tick collars, spot-on treatments) and use them properly. Because fleas that come from animals can also come into the house.

The most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, we've talked a lot about fleas and how to get rid of them. Finally, here are some of the most important things you need to remember:

• Don't panic if you see a flea on your child. Calmly and properly remove the flea.
• Never use the old-fashioned methods (burning, rubbing oils) when removing fleas. Grasp the tick close to the skin with sharp tweezers and pull it straight up.
• Having a flea on your body doesn't always cause serious illness. However, be aware of the symptoms.
• If the wound changes in an unusual way, or if your child develops symptoms such as fever , be sure to see a doctor.
• Also think about ways to protect yourself from fleas. Make it a habit to be careful when you go out and check yourself when you get home.

Being aware of these things will go a long way in protecting your child from potential flea problems. So, don't panic, but be careful!

` Fleas, tick removal, children's health, insect bites, first aid, skin infections, tick bite