A mother has been urged to seek immediate medical attention after discovering a tick on her toddler's eyelid, a rare and unsettling occurrence that has gone viral on social media.
Viral TikTok Video Sparks Concern
The woman shared a clip on TikTok showing the moment she spotted "something weird" on her child's eyelid. The video, which garnered 99,500 likes, shows the mother zooming in on the infant's eye before exclaiming: "Is that...? A tick?" In the caption, she wrote: "I've pulled ticks from a lot of places (And I mean A LOT) but I have never in my life seen one here."
While finding a tick on the eye is rare, it can happen, typically attaching to the eyelid rather than the eyeball. The mother reposted the video recently to raise awareness, but in the original upload, many viewers urged her to get professional help.
Medical Advice from Viewers
One commenter said: "If it is [a tick] she needs to see a doctor immediately to test for Lyme disease." Another urged: "Please please go see an eye doctor for antibiotics." A third wrote: "What a terrible spot for a tick. Omg!"
How to Safely Remove a Tick
Tick bites can cause various health issues, including Lyme disease. It is crucial to remove the tick properly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick, which can lead to infection. After removal, clean the bite area thoroughly with antiseptic or soap and water, and monitor for symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, or pain. Seek medical advice if you are unsure about removing the tick or if concerning symptoms develop.
Lyme Disease Symptoms and Risks
The NHS warns that infected ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier. Symptoms may include flu-like signs such as a high temperature, headache, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness. Although not all ticks in England carry the bacteria, they are found across the UK, particularly in grassy and wooded areas.
