top of page

Tick Bite in Children: What Parents Need to Know and How to Respond

  • Writer: Johanna
    Johanna
  • May 12
  • 7 min read

Updated: May 17

With the arrival of spring, the risk of tick bites increases as ticks become more active. However, due to increasingly mild winters, ticks can now be a year-round concern in Germany, becoming active at temperatures around 4-8 degrees Celsius. A tick bite itself is usually not painful, but since ticks feed on the blood of other animals, they can transmit pathogens.


Here, we'll explore the potential risks of tick bites, how to safely remove ticks, when to seek medical advice, and practical steps for effective prevention.




A close-up photo of a tick perched on the tip of a human finger, its small, dark body contrasted against the skin.

© Unsplash Photo taken by Erik Karits


  • In their search for a host, ticks respond to three main stimuli: movement, warmth, and odors. They sense vibrations as an animal or human approaches, detect body heat, and pick up on body odor or sweat.

  • Using a specialized sensory organ in their front legs, they can even smell the presence of a potential host.

  • When a person or animal passes by, ticks extend their front legs and quickly latch on using tiny claws.

  • Ticks acquire pathogens during the blood meal and store them primarily in their gut and salivary glands.

  • During a feeding, the tick injects its pathogen-laden saliva into the host in small intervals and then draws blood.

  • Why some people are bitten more frequently than others is still not fully understood.



  1. Tick Bites in Children - Quick Tips for Tick Removal, and wenn to seek medical help


If you find a tick on your child’s skin, the first rule is: stay calm. Most tick bites are harmless, but the tick should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. The risk of transmission increases with the duration of attachment.


  1. Provide comfort and support to alleviate the childs discomfort.

  2. Use a fine-tipped tweezer, a tick hook, or a tick removal card.

  3. Avoid common myths like using oil or glue, which can actually increase the risk of disease transmission.

  4. Grasp the tick firmly as close to the skin as possible at its head and mouth parts, pulling straight and steadily to avoid leaving any part of the tick behind (without twisting or squeezing it, as this can increase the risk of disease transmission).

  5. Disinfect the bite area, hands and pinzette thoroughly after removal.

  6. Parents should also note the time and place of a tick bite, in case later red spots on the skin, fever, headache, or flu-like symptoms occur.



    After you have removed a tick, observe the puncture site for a few weeks:

    Seek medical help if your child developes symptoms like fever, headache,

    muscle aches, fatigue or growing red rash around the bite, especially if it expands in a circular shape (also called a “bullseye” rash), or if the bite area becomes infected or starts to ooze.


    Early detection and treatment can prevent complications associated with tick-borne diseases.


  1. Help: Tick Head Left Behind


Sometimes, when removing a tick, its mouthparts (often mistaken as the "head") may break off and remain in the skin.This can happen if the tick is pulled out too quickly or with a twisting motion.


Is This Dangerous?

No need to panic. The remaining mouthparts cannot transmit diseases like Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis because these pathogens are primarily located in the tick's body and saliva glands, which are removed with the tick's body.


What Should You Do?

  • If you can easily remove the remaining part with clean, fine-tipped tweezers, do so gently.

  • If not, it's best to leave it alone. The skin will naturally expel the foreign material over time, similar to how it handles a small splinter. The skin continuously renews itself, so the encapsulated remnants are shed within days to weeks or slough off with the outermost layer of the epidermis.

  • Keep the area clean. Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection.


When to Seek Medical Attention:

Monitor the bite area for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, or if you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider.


  1. How to Relieve Itching


The area where the tick has bitten should preferably not be scratched. Scratching and rubbing lead to further distribution of the insect's saliva.


  • Gentle cooling with a clean, wet tissue usually helps quickly and alleviates initial pain.

  • Although onion and lemon are sometimes recommended, neither is scientifically recognized as an effective home remedy after a tick bite. Stick to evidence-based recommendations – promptly remove the tick and carefully clean and care for the wound.

  • Anti-itch sprays can provide relief—consult your pharmacist and choose a formulation suitable for children.


  1. Complications


    Ticks, particularly the common wood tick, can transmit various diseases:


    • Lyme disease (Borreliose) is caused by bacteria and often starts with a circular rash around the tick bite, known as erythema migrans. This rash, which resembles a bull's-eye, may also appear on other parts of the body. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like burning nerve pain or joint pain. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.


    • Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain. It typically begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fever and headache, which are often mistaken for a common cold. In some cases, about a week later, it can progress to inflammation of the brain and its membranes, leading to more severe symptoms like fever, nausea, and neurological issues. Even after treatment, it can leave lasting effects, such as chronic headaches or paralysis. However, TBE can be prevented through vaccination.


  1. Protection and Prevention (Vaccination)


  • Wear long-sleeved clothing and sturdy shoes when venturing into areas where ticks are prevalent.

  • Additionally, using child-friendly insect repellents containing DEET/ Icaridin or essential oils can offer some protection.

  • After outdoor activities, check your child thoroughly for ticks, especially in their hair.

  • Vaccination against TBE (german: FSME) is highly recommended, especially for those living in or traveling to high-risk areas. The vaccine consists of three doses and provides long-term protection against the virus. Check with your pediatrician to see if a TBE vaccination is recommended in your area.


  1. Identifying High-Risk Areas


Stay informed about tick prevalence in your area by checking current maps. Ticks thrive in tall grass and bushes, so take precautions when exploring these environments.


Check here:


  1. Tick Myths – What Parents Should Know


    Ticks can be a real concern for families who love spending time outdoors. However, many common beliefs about these tiny creatures are misleading. Read more about common myth:


    Myth 1: Ticks fall from trees.

    Fact: Ticks don’t jump or fall from trees. They typically climb only about 1 - 1.5 meters high on grasses or shrubs, waiting to latch onto a passing host.


    Myth 2: Ticks are only a summer problem.

    Fact: While less active, some ticks can survive winter by hiding in leaf litter or animal nests. Ticks become active at temperatures as low as 4- 8°C and can be found almost year-round in milder climates. Their activity depends more on temperature and humidity than the season.


    Myth 3: Home remedies like oil, alcohol or fire help remove ticks.

    Fact: Using oil, alcohol, or heat can stress the tick, increasing the risk of pathogen transmission. The safest way to remove a tick is with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, pulling it out slowly and steadily.


    Myth 4: Every tick bite leads to an infection.

    Fact: Only a small percentage of ticks carry diseases like Lyme or TBE (tick-borne encephalitis). Even then, transmission often requires the tick to be attached for several hours.


    Myth 5: Ticks lay their eggs on their hosts.

    Fact: Ticks lay their eggs in the environment, not on the host. This usually happens in leaf litter, grass, or similar sheltered spots.


    Myth 6: Ticks only live in the forest.

    Fact: Ticks can be found in parks, gardens, and even urban green spaces – anywhere with grass, shrubs, or leaf litter.


    Myth 7: You should always take antibiotics after a tick bite.

    Fact: Preventive antibiotics are not routinely recommended after every tick bite. Monitoring the bite site and seeking medical advice if symptoms develop is the better approach.


    Myth 8: You can test a removed tick to know if you’re infected.

    Fact: While ticks can be tested, a positive result doesn’t confirm an infection in humans. Diagnosis should focus on symptoms and clinical tests.


    Myth 9: All ticks carry Lyme disease.

    Fact: Only certain species, like the common deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), can transmit Lyme disease. Other tick species carry different pathogens.


    Myth 10: You’ll always feel a tick bite.

    Fact: Tick bites are usually painless, making regular body checks essential.


    Myth 11: Tick repellents provide complete protection.

    Fact: While sprays can reduce the number of ticks that attach, they typically only last a few hours. Regular checks are still necessary.


    Myth 12: Ticks must be twisted out.

    Fact: Twisting isn’t necessary and can increase the chance of leaving parts behind. A steady, straight pull is the best removal method.


    Myth 13: You can vaccinate against all tick-borne diseases.

    Fact: Currently, only TBE has an effective vaccine. Lyme disease requires prompt removal and possible antibiotic treatment.



  1. External video material


Below, you'll find two informative videos sourced from gesund.bund a reputable German official website. These videos feature professional material curated to provide valuable insights into tick-borne illnesses.


Turn on english subtitles :)






In conclusion, while ticks may be small, the risks they bring are significant. By understanding proper tick removal techniques, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive measures, we can minimize the risk of tick-borne diseases and enjoy being outdoors safely.



05/2025


Resources:

Kaiser R. Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis Prognose für Kinder und Jugendliche günstiger als für Erwachsene. Deutsches Ärzteblatt. 2004;101(33):C1822-C6.

Hansson ME, Orvell C, Engman ML, Wide K, Lindquist L, Lidefelt KJ, et al. Tick-borne encephalitis in childhood: rare or missed? The Pediatric infectious disease journal. 2011;30(4):355-7. Epub 2011/03/18

Wittermann C, Izu A, Petri E, Gniel D, Fragapane E. Five year follow-up after primary vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis in children. Vaccine 2015;33:1824-9.

Richardson M, Khouja C, Sutcliffe K. Interventions to prevent Lyme disease in humans: A systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2019; 13:16–22. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.11.004.

bottom of page