Ticks carry both Lyme Disease & Tick-bourne Encephalitis (TBE).
A tick is a small insect that feeds off the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They usually climb onto the human skin and bite to suck the blood inside.
Ticks are usually found in grassland areas such as forests and heaths, which is why they are extremely common in the Surrey area!
We are currently in tick season (from Spring to Autumn), and ticks can cause serious illness. So what can we do to prevent this?
What happens if a tick bites you?
In most cases, tick bites can be easily identifiable with a 'bullseye' rash. This will appear to be red and white circles with a lot of itching and swelling around the area.
Some ticks carry Lyme Disease. Just because you are bitten, does not mean you will definitely catch the disease. But if these symptoms develop, you may have been infected:
- red rash
- raised temperature
- flu-like symptoms
- swelling of lymph nodes
If these symptoms develop, speak to your GP immediately and you will be put onto a course of antibiotics.
Removing a tick bite
Removing a tick bite quickly can reduce the risk of Lyme Disease.
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Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
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Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
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Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.
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Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.
Lyme Disease UK, Lyme Disease Action, NHS Inform, NHS.UK & RSPCA (for animals) offer information on what to do if you find a tick. Do remember the massive benefits of the great outdoors though, and don't be afraid to go and enjoy the warm summer days and dreamy summer nights - spending time outside with nature is proven to boost postive mental wellbeing!