Tick bites and Lyme Disease

Advice from Dr Emma Chapman from Okehampton Medical Centre

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks, which can be treated effectively if detected early on. But if treatment is delayed, there's a risk you could develop severe and long-lasting symptoms. Many people with early-stage Lyme disease develop a distinctive circular rash at the site of the bite, usually around three to 30 days after being bitten. It is described as looking like a bull's-eye on a dart board. Some may develop several rashes in different parts of their body and some won't develop a rash at all. Some people will also experience flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, muscle and joint pain, headaches, a high temperature, chills and neck stiffness. More serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early on. You should see your GP if you develop any of the symptoms described below after being bitten by a tick

Tick bites aren't usually painful, so you may not realise you've been bitten. Symptoms of a tick bite can include small red lump on the skin, swelling, itchiness, blistering or bruising. Ticks can sometimes carry a potentially serious infection called Lyme disease and should be removed as soon as possible if you find one attached to your skin.

Removing a tick

If a tick is attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible to reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. To remove a tick:

• Use tweezers that won't squash the tick or use a tick removal tool. (Available from pharmacies, pet shops or veterinary surgeries)

•Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible to ensure the tick's mouth isn't left in the skin.

•Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.

•Wash your skin with water and soap, and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

Don't use a lit cigarette, a match head, alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

Avoiding tick bites

You can reduce your risk of being bitten if you keep to footpaths avoiding long grass when out walking, wear appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas (a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks), wear light-coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick and use insect repellent. Inspect your skin for ticks at the end of the day, including your head, neck and skin folds (armpits, groin, and waistband) and check your children's head and neck areas too, including their scalp, making sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes. Check your pets to help ensure they don't bring ticks into your home in their fur.

When to get medical advice for ticks, insect bites or stings

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if you're worried about a bite or sting - your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days or are getting worse, if you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes, and if a large area (around 10cm or more) around the bite becomes red and swollen. Similarly, if you have symptoms of a wound infection such as pus or increasing pain/swelling or redness and if you have symptoms of a more widespread infection such as a fever/swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms, seek advice.

When to get emergency medical help

Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing

• a swollen face, mouth or throat

• nausea or vomiting

• a fast heart rate

• dizziness or feeling faint

• difficulty swallowing

• loss of consciousness

Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.

Dr Emma Chapman