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Urological Evidence of Tick Bites in Children
Lisa B E Shields1, Dennis S Peppas2, Eran Rosenberg2
1From the Norton Neuroscience Institute.
Insights
Tick bites in children can lead to serious genital swelling and infections, requiring hospitalization and antibiotics. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for pediatric emergency physicians to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ticks transmit various illnesses, ranging from mild to severe.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to tick bites due to outdoor activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two pediatric cases of tick bites on the genitalia.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing tick bites presenting as penile edema.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two boys (ages 3 and 8) with tick bites on the scrotum and penis.
- Clinical examination, scrotal ultrasound, and antibiotic treatment were utilized.
Main Results:
- Case 1: Scrotal cellulitis with significant edema and induration; scrotal ultrasound showed swelling.
- Case 2: Penile and glans swelling, induration, pruritis, and pelvic rash.
Conclusions:
- Tick bites on pediatric genitalia can cause severe local reactions.
- A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing tick bites presenting as genital edema in children.
Abstract:
Ticks pose a serious threat to individuals of all ages owing to numerous physical illnesses including chills, aches, and a rash. Tick-borne illnesses range from a mild fever that may be treated at home to a severe disease necessitating hospitalization. Children are at an increased risk of tick bites owing to to their exposure to tick-infested areas during the summer. We report 2 cases of boys aged 3 and 8 years who sustained tick bites to the hemiscrotum and penis. Overnight hospitalization and a course of antibiotics were mandatory. In the first case, the child experienced significant scrotal cellulitis with erythema and edema extending to the suprapubic area with induration of the right anterior scrotum at the site of the tick bite. A scrotal ultrasound demonstrated swelling of the scrotal wall. In the second case, considerable swelling and induration of the distal penis and glans, pruritis of the left groin and penis, and an erythematous rash over the entire anterior pelvis were observed. A high index of suspicion is warranted because a tick bite may present as penile edema. Pediatric emergency physicians should be aware of the risks associated with tick bites and accurately diagnose and initiate treatment to prevent morbidity and mortality.
