A peaceful family trip took an unexpected turn for Swedish mother Alessandra Paiusco when she found a tick clinging to her 1-year-old daughter Olympia’s eyelashes after an afternoon of berry-picking. Alessandra later posted a picture of the minute tick on TikTok under the handle @la.tuttologa—a sight that left many astonished.
She remarked that the tick “must’ve been jumping around… onto the baby’s eye overnight,” after performing a cursory check. Due to the sensitive location, home treatment was not an option. The following day, a nervous yet committed medical team successfully extracted the tick at a clinic, requiring two hours of careful comforting and managing a distressed toddler. Olympia recovered swiftly, entertained by a zebra toy during the procedure.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even often-overlooked areas such as eyelashes warrant a thorough tick check after outdoor activities.
Why Every Nook Matters
Ticks can latch onto various parts of the body—scalp, behind the ears, neck folds, diaper regions, between toes, and even eyelashes. These small arachnids carry diseases such as Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, particularly in wooded or grassy areas. The CDC emphasizes that regular tick inspections are a vital preventive measure.
Post-Outdoor Checklist: How to Do It Right
After spending time in parks, trails, farms, or your own yard, follow this checklist:
- Conduct a thorough check: Look at the scalp, hairline, behind the ears, eyelash line, neck, waistband, groin, between toes, and behind knees.
- Shower promptly: A shower within two hours assists in washing off unattached ticks and facilitates safer removal.
- Use high heat for clothing: Tumble dry garments on high for 10 minutes to kill ticks that may be trapped in clothing.
When Removal Requires Professional Help
If a tick is lodged in sensitive areas like the eyelid, ear canal, or close to the eye, and especially if you’re unable to grip the tick cleanly, seek immediate professional assistance.
For ticks found in more accessible regions, the CDC outlines the following removal steps:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to seize the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull straight upwards with steady, even pressure—avoid twisting.
- Dispose of the tick in a sealed container or flush it away, then thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands.
Recognize and React to Symptoms
Ticks can carry serious diseases, making early recognition of symptoms essential. Monitor for signs appearing within several days to weeks after a bite:
- Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, or swollen lymph nodes
- A rash, particularly if it presents a “bull’s-eye” pattern
If symptoms arise, contact your pediatrician without delay. Provide details regarding the tick exposure and its timing. Timely medical intervention can significantly impact outcomes.
Image Source: Unsplash
