What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Tick Bite - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a tick bite, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the bite and what signs to watch for. The healthcare provider may guide you on how to safely remove the tick if it is still attached, or confirm that it has been removed properly. They will also explain symptoms that could mean an infection or illness, such as Lyme disease, which can develop after certain tick bites. You may be told to watch for fever, rash, or unusual tiredness. In some cases, the provider might recommend a follow-up visit or lab tests to check for infection. It is important to keep the bite area clean and to avoid scratching. If any concerning symptoms appear, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine helps by providing quick advice and guidance but cannot replace a full physical exam if symptoms worsen or new problems arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Development of a bull's-eye shaped rash around the bite area — seek immediate medical care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) or chills after a tick bite — contact a healthcare provider urgently.
• Signs of severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing guidance on tick removal and bite care.
• Assessing symptoms that can be described or shown via video or photos.
• Advising when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Answering questions about tick bite prevention and follow-up.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require touch or detailed inspection.
• Administering blood tests or other diagnostic procedures.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions or serious infections.
• Diagnosing complex or unclear symptoms that need in-person evaluation.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, you will likely receive clear instructions on how to care for the tick bite at home. This includes keeping the area clean and dry, watching for signs of infection, and when to seek further care. The healthcare provider may also explain how to remove a tick safely if it has not been removed yet.

How to Care for a Tick Bite at Home

\1

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Again

If you notice any of the following, contact a healthcare provider promptly:

These signs may indicate a tick-borne illness requiring in-person evaluation.

Possible Follow-Up Steps After the Visit

Depending on the telemedicine assessment, your provider might:

Always follow the provider's instructions carefully.

Preventing Future Tick Bites

\1

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have the tick or a photo of the tick ready if possible.
• Prepare to describe when and where the tick bite occurred.
• Note any symptoms your child is experiencing, such as rash, fever, or pain.
• Have a flashlight and a clean area to show the bite site via video if needed.
• List any allergies or medications your child is taking.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions given during the telemedicine visit.
• Keep the bite area clean and dry.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms as advised.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags or emergency signs develop.

FAQs

How do I know if the tick has been completely removed?

A tick is completely removed when the entire body, including the head and mouthparts, is taken out. If you see any parts left in the skin, gently try to remove them with clean tweezers. If unsure, contact your healthcare provider.

Can a tick bite cause serious illness?

Some ticks can carry bacteria or viruses that cause illnesses like Lyme disease. Not all tick bites lead to illness, but it's important to watch for symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain and seek medical advice if they appear.

Should my child take antibiotics after a tick bite?

Antibiotics are sometimes recommended if the tick was attached for a long time or if symptoms develop. Your healthcare provider will decide if antibiotics are needed based on the situation.

How long should I watch my child for symptoms after a tick bite?

Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses usually appear within 3 to 30 days after a bite. Monitor your child for at least one month and contact a healthcare provider if any concerning symptoms develop.

Can I remove a tick with home remedies like burning or using nail polish?

No. Home remedies such as burning the tick or covering it with nail polish are not safe and can increase the risk of infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick carefully.

Sources

1. Tick Bite: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Tickborne Diseases of the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Tick Removal: Mayo Clinic Patient Care & Health Information — Mayo Clinic.
4. Lyme Disease: Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.