BOOK YOUR SUMMER PHYSICALS NOW!

If you know that your child will need an appointment prior to the new school year,
call us today!  
.
978.975.3355

CALL US FIRST!

For acute illness or injury
call 978.975.3355

24 hours/day
7 days/week
365 days/year

WALK-IN 
Sick Visit Hours
Mon-Fri 
7-7:45am

CALL EARLY for same day sick visit appointments
7 days a week 
YES-EVEN SUNDAY

IT'S TICK TIME AGAIN!  

- by Daniel Summers, M.D., F.A.A.P 

A few reminders about tick bites from CMO
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  1. The recommended way of
    removing a tick is to grasp it as close to the skin as possible with a pair of tweezers, and pull gently at a 90-degree angle to the skin.  It is not recommended to try smothering them with Vaseline or singeing them with a blown-out match.
  2. If part of the head remains under the skin,
    don't try to dig it out.  The skin will eventually get rid of the retained material on its own, and digging at it will only cause unnecessary damage.  Retained mouth parts don't affect the risk of infection.
  3. We do not prescribe antibiotics following tick bites unless there is evidence that suggests lyme disease
    (This is in keeping with recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America.)  Treating people with antibiotics they don't need increases the risk of resistance in the future, making the medicine less effective when it's truly necessary.
  4. The most recognizable
    sign of lyme disease is a target-like rash on the skin, spreading outward from the spot where the tick was found.  There's a picture on our website, along with more information about lyme.  If you have concerns about any symptoms your child is experiencing, we are always happy to have you contact us or come in for an appointment.
  5. The best thing to do about tick bites is
    prevent them.  If your child is going to be in a wooded area, long sleeves and pants tucked into socks can help.  Insect repellents
     containing DEET (to spray on clothing) are also recommended.  Finally, check your children daily for tick bites, as it takes more than a day for a tick to transmit lyme disease.
As always, if you have any questions, we are always happy to hear from you.

 

Providers at

Children's Medical Office of North Andover 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterVisit our blog