What are Ticks?
They are tiny little creatures, almost spider like that mainly live in the woods and long, grassy areas, they may also be found in gardens and parks. Ticks are unable to jump or fly, instead they attach themselves to humans and animals that will brush past them. The nasty part… once they are attached, it feeds on blood for a few days before eventually dropping off.
It is important that we are aware of the pests we call ticks and how their presence can lead to Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread by infected ticks, please note though, not all ticks are infected with the bacteria, so please do not go into panic mode straight away if you should find one of these pesky blighters invading your personal space. Ticks can be found all across the UK but there are some places that are at higher risk, these are grassy and wooded areas in Southern and Northern England and the Scottish Highlands. Ticks are also more active during the Spring and Summer months, basically when the weather warms up, the ticks become more active.
What are the Symptoms of Lyme disease?
A rash is an early symptom of Lyme disease, this is usually circle or oval shaped. The early symptoms typically develop 1-4 weeks after being bitten, however it has been known that it could sometimes take up to 3 months for the rash to appeal. The rash has sometimes been described as looking like a bullseye, this is because the rash may have a darker or lighter in the centre and it may gradually spread. The edges of the rash may feel slightly raised and it can be red, pink or purple in colour when on white skin, on brown or black skin it is harder to see and could be similar in appearance to a bruise. It is important to know that there is a possibility a rash may not appear.
As well as a rash, you may experience flu like symptoms, this may kick in a few days or weeks after being bitten by an infectious tick. Symptoms may include: a high temperature, feeling hot, feeling shivery, head ache, joint and muscle pain, tiredness and loss of energy. There have been cases in the past where people have experienced paralysis of the face on one side (Bell’s palsy) and nerve pain, these may be shooting pains or sharp prickly pains.
Unfortunately, some people can develop more severe symptoms weeks, months or even years later, this is usually because the disease wasn’t treated early on or has been left untreated. These symptoms can include: pain and swelling in the joints, problems with nerves such as pain and numbness, heart problems, memory problems and trouble concentrating.
Please make sure you see your GP if you are bitten by a tick where infections ticks could be or you begin to experience any of these symptoms.
What are the treatments for Lyme Disease?
If you are thought to have Lyme disease, you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics, the course will be decided upon your symptoms, usually it can be up to 28 days and it is vital that the course of antibiotics is finished, even if you are starting to feel better.
If symptoms are severe, you may need to be referred to a specialist hospital so antibiotics can be administered directly through the vein.
Most people do feel better after the antibiotic treatment, but it can take months for people to feel fully back to their normal selves, but symptoms should improve over time.
How do you safely remove a tick?
It is not always obvious you have been bitten by a tick as this is not always painful, therefore it is important you regularly check your clothes and skin after being outdoors.
To remove a tick, use some fine tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. You need to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Then slowly pull upright, take care not to crush the tick, then clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. Continue to monitor, the chances of you becoming ill are low, therefore no further action is required unless you begin to notice the symptoms I have shared with you.
Finally, how do you avoid ticks?
Try to keep your skin covered when walking outdoors, tuck your trousers into your socks if possible. Use insect repellent on your clothes and skin, and try to stay on clear paths. Lighter clothing is always a good idea too, as this means ticks are easier to spot and brush off before they can become too attached!
There is some mixed information online when it comes to Ticks and Lyme Disease, some even offering treatments that many not be scientifically so please always make sure you are speaking to your doctor in the first instance.
