Tick Bites in Children: Symptoms and Warning Signs

At Pedi Center Urgent Care, we understand that discovering a tick bite on your child can be concerning. Our pediatric specialists are here to guide you through what to watch for and when to seek medical attention.

When a child is bitten by a tick, it’s normal to see some redness or a small bump at the site—similar to a mosquito bite. Mild swelling, itching, or tenderness around the bite area is also common. These local reactions are usually harmless and tend to resolve within a few days.

If a tick stays attached for a longer period or transmits an infection, your child may develop additional symptoms. These can include:

– Fever
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Muscle or joint aches
– Swollen lymph nodes

One specific sign of Lyme disease (carried by some ticks) is a circular, bullseye-shaped rash. However, not every child will develop this rash, so it’s important to watch for any flu-like symptoms in the weeks after a tick bite.

We recommend monitoring your child closely for any new or unusual symptoms following a tick bite. If your child develops a rash, persistent fever, or flu-like symptoms, visit Pedi Center Urgent Care promptly for evaluation and treatment. Our experienced providers can assess your child, remove ticks safely if needed, and start any necessary treatment right away.

We understand that keeping your child healthy and safe is your top priority—especially during outdoor activities when tick bites can be a concern. Tick bites are often painless and can go unnoticed, making it important for parents to know what to look for and when to seek medical attention.

Ticks are tiny and may appear as small dark or reddish-brown spots, often attaching themselves to places where a child’s skin is thin or hidden. Common areas include the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist, and behind the knees. After a tick falls off or is removed, you might see a small red bump at the bite site, which may be slightly swollen or itchy, but usually isn’t painful.

After a tick bite, it’s important to monitor for any signs of illness. Watch for:

– Expanding redness or a rash, especially one that forms a ring or “bull’s-eye” pattern (a sign of Lyme disease)-
– Fever or chills
– Fatigue
– Muscle or joint aches
– Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms may appear days or even weeks after a bite. If your child develops any of these, especially after outdoor play or if you find a tick, it’s time to visit Pedi Center Urgent Care for evaluation and possible treatment.

Our pediatric specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating tick bites in children. If you are unsure whether your child has been bitten, have found a tick, or are concerned about signs of infection, we are here to help. We can:

– Safely remove embedded ticks
– Assess the bite site and symptoms
– Provide testing and treatment for tick-borne illnesses if needed
– Offer guidance on tick prevention and follow-up care

We recommend checking your child for ticks after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Pay special attention to the scalp, hairline, and other hard-to-see areas. Quick removal of ticks reduces the risk of disease.

If your child has been bitten by a tick, it’s important to closely monitor the area around the bite for any changes. In the days and weeks following a tick bite, check your child’s skin for redness, swelling, or the development of a rash. Be especially watchful for a red ring or “bull’s-eye” pattern that expands outward from the bite site—this can be an early sign of Lyme disease and requires prompt medical evaluation.

Other changes to look out for include blisters, increased warmth, pain, or pus at the bite site, which may signal an infection. Additionally, be attentive to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms, especially when accompanied by new or spreading rashes, could indicate a tick-borne illness.

Our pediatric specialists are here to help if you notice any of these warning signs or if you’re unsure about any changes to your child’s skin after a tick bite. Some tick-borne diseases can also cause skin changes elsewhere on the body, so it’s essential to check your child’s entire body for unusual spots, rashes, or discoloration.

If your child has experienced a tick bite, it’s important to keep a close eye on their health for any immediate symptoms that could indicate a reaction or the early stages of a tick-borne illness. While many tick bites do not lead to illness, you should watch the area around the bite for unusual redness, swelling, pain, or a rash—especially if the rash looks like a bull’s-eye or starts to spread. Children may also develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes after a tick bite.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, or if they experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, palpitations, or weakness, seek medical attention right away. Early evaluation is important, even if the symptoms seem mild, as it can help prevent complications from tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

At Pedi Center Urgent Care, we help parents identify the symptoms and warning signs of tick bites in children. Tick bites can sometimes go unnoticed, but early detection is key to preventing complications. Symptoms to watch for include redness, swelling, fever, or a bullseye rash, which could indicate a tick-borne illness like Lyme disease. Our experienced pediatric team provides prompt care, including proper wound cleaning, guidance on symptoms to monitor, and treatment if necessary. Visit us for expert advice and care to keep your child healthy and safe after a tick bite. Our experienced pediatric providers are here to assess your child after a tick bite and provide prompt treatment if needed. Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Street, and Wible Road in Bakersfield, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Rosedale CA, Oildale CA, Lamont CA, and surrounding areas.