Ticks and Lyme Disease

Ticks are small small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Tick season is usually March to October and it is useful to know how to avoid tick bites and how to remove them if found.

Information from NHS UK and NHS Inform

For further information see their fact pages at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ and https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/tick-bites 

Preventing tick bites

  • keep to footpaths and avoid long grass when out walking
  • wear appropriate clothing (a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks)
  • wear light-coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick on your clothes
  • use insect repellent on exposed skin
  • check your skin for ticks
  • check your children’s head and neck areas, including their scalp
  • make sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes
  • check that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur

How to remove a tick

  1. Using fine-toothed tweezers, gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  2. Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.
  3. Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards.
  4. Apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

Don’t use a lit cigarette end, a match head or substances like alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

Some vets and pet shops sell cheap tick removal devices. These may be useful if you often spend time in areas where there are ticks.

If the tick’s mouthparts break off in the skin and cannot be removed, these may cause local irritation but should fall out naturally in time.

Complications of tick bites

A small proportion of ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. Being bitten doesn’t mean you’ll definitely be infected. However, it’s important to be aware of the risk and speak to a GP if you start to feel unwell.

:Speak to your doctor if you have:

  • a pink or red rash
  • a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
  • other flu-like symptoms, like a headache or joint pain
  • swollen lymph nodes