29/04/2026
❗️🕷️Let's talk ticks...🕷️❗️
Yep, they might make give you the ick, but there's lots of important info in this post about how to deal with these little pests. Read on to find out more ⤵️
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures with either 6 or 8 legs. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans, and are commonly found in areas like woodland, moorland, grassy areas, and gardens. Ticks vary in size and can be between 1mm to 1cm long.
If you spot a tick bite, don't worry, the majority of tick bites cause no issues, however, if you do get bitten, you should:
✅ Remove the tick ASAP (info below)
✅ Wash your skin with soap afterwards
✅ Apply an antiseptic cream around the bite
✅ Take a picture of the bite and any rash
To force the tick out, you should not:
❌ Use a cigarette, match or lighter
❌ Squeeze the tick
❌ Use any alcohol or petroleum jelly
The safest way to remove a tick is to use a tick removal tool, such as a tick twister or tick card. If these aren't available, you can use a pair of fine toothed tweezers.
Using a tick removal tool via NHS Highland
➡️ https://bit.ly/3vs9v0Z
If a tick bites an animal carrying the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, the tick can become infected. The tick can then transfer the bacteria to a human by biting them. It’s thought only a small proportion of ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease and 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.
There is no need to consult your GP if you have been bitten and have no symptoms. However, do keep an eye on the bite area, and if you develop ANY rash (not just one resembling a bullseye) or develop any flu-like symptoms in the weeks following a bite, make an appointment with your GP.
This is where taking a picture can help, as it can be assessed by a health professional if the rash disappears 📸 it can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look more like a bruise.
Remember, not everyone who contracts Lyme Disease develops a rash, so it's very important to be aware of, and seek advice for any flu-like symptoms quickly.
Tick bite symptom checker
➡️ https://bit.ly/tick-bite-symptom-checker
General information on tick bites
➡️ https://nhs24.info/tick-bites
Information on Lyme Disease
➡️ https://nhs24.info/lyme-disease
