Mum issues warning for parents to check ‘every fold on your kids' – as she's urged to take her tot to the doctors
Mum Des Riggs took to TikTok to warn fellow parents after making a shocking discovery in her daughter's ear.
The mother, from the US, explained that her little one had been acting weird for the last few days, so she decided to check her body.
After taking a thorough look, horrified Des realised the reason the girl had been '' fussy '' was a tick that had managed to hide in the top part of her ear.
Despite their teeny size - which makes them difficult to spot - ticks can cause serious harm and their bite could even prove to be fatal.
A bite from a tick can cause Lyme disease, which is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria transmitted to humans from ticks infected with it.
Ticks are present in both rural and urban areas and are active from spring to autumn.
The tiny spider-like creatures feed on the blood of humans, animals and birds, and are more numerous and more active in the summer months.
Ticks will bite adults most commonly on the legs and arms but they can bite on any part of the body, especially warm and sweaty parts not covered by clothing.
The insects are most likely to bite children around the head and neck.
As families are enjoying the summer season outdoors, parents are urged to cover up and protect their child's head and neck and check the areas following time spent outdoors.
Regular checks are encouraged throughout the day for both adults and children.
The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is advising people to cover up with clothing where possible and use insect repellent against ticks.
Tick bites can be prevented by wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirt and shoes, a hat or tuck in hair.
Using an insect repellent preferably containing the active ingredient DEET can deter ticks.
People are urged to check skin, hair and warm skin folds - especially the neck and scalp of children - for ticks, after a day out.
Checking for ticks and removing any from your pets, clothing or outdoor gear is essential.
Most cases of Lyme disease are very mild and many infected people may not have symptoms.
Warning fellow parents to keep themselves and their kids safe this summer, Des said in the now-viral video: ''Just your friendly mum reminder to check every fold and crack on your babies - because mt daughter has been fussy all week and I just found this inside her ear.''
In the clip, which has since racked up an astronomical 6million views, the horrified mum also showed the creepy crawly that was hiding.
Justin Bieber: 'I had a rough couple of years'
IN January 2020, Justin Bieber publicly revealed he'd been diagnosed with Lyme disease and that it had been a "rough couple of years" leading up to his diagnosis.
He wrote on Instagram at the time people had suggested he looked like he was "on meth", but "they failed to realise I've been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy and overall health".
The singer's experience with the disease was detailed in his documentary series Seasons on YouTube.
The series includes footage of him using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and receiving IV infusions at a doctor's office, as well as interviews with his psychiatrist and the doctor who diagnosed and treated him for Lyme disease.
Bieber recently indicated he's "back and better than ever".
'This is serious'
The warning, posted just one day ago under the username @ desriggs, has already taken the internet by storm, amassing over 206k likes, with close to 600 people flooding to comments.
One concerned viewer urged: ''
Take her to the doc. She can do a round of antibiotics to help prevent tick-related diseases before it's too late.''
A second agreed, writing: ''I have Lyme disease from a tick I didn't know was there.
''This is kind of serious if she's been fussy all week she's probably sick too.''
''You need to get her tested asap to make sure she didn't contract a tick borne disease!'' someone else chimed in.
REMOVING TICKS
4
4
If a tick is removed within the first number of hours, the risk of infection is very low.
The entire tick should be removed with a tweezers by gripping it close to the skin.
Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick and then dispose of it.
Be sure to check for any mouthparts which may break off.
The skin where the tick was found should then be washed with soap and water and the area checked over the next few weeks for swelling or redness.
Dr Paul McKeown previously told The Sun: 'People are more likely to spend time outdoors in the spring and summer months.
"Anyone who spends time outdoors should protect themselves against tick bites. This includes ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, people who work or walk in woodland, parkland and heathland, especially in grassy areas.
"Preventing tick bites prevents Lyme disease.'
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