Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: What to Watch For This Spring

As the weather warms up and we spend more time enjoying parks, gardens, woodlands, and countryside walks, the risk of tick bites increases significantly. Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals and humans, and they are most active in the UK from April through to July, with a second peak in autumn.

While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the UK, with an estimated 3,000 cases diagnosed each year, though the actual number may be higher as many cases go unreported. If caught early, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health problems. Knowing how to prevent tick bites, remove ticks safely, and recognise the signs of Lyme disease is essential for protecting yourself and your family this spring.

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to tick bites. Ticks are commonly found in areas of long grass, bracken, heathland, and woodland, but they can also be present in urban parks and gardens where deer or other wildlife roam.

When spending time outdoors in areas where ticks may be present, wear long-sleeved tops and tuck trousers into socks to reduce exposed skin. Light-coloured clothing makes it easier to spot ticks on your clothes before they reach your skin. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed areas of skin, which can help deter ticks from attaching.

After spending time outdoors, check your skin thoroughly for ticks, paying particular attention to warm, moist areas such as the groin, armpits, waistband, behind the ears, and the hairline. Children and pets should also be checked carefully. Ticks can be very small, sometimes no larger than a poppy seed, so look closely. The sooner a tick is found and removed, the lower the risk of infection, as it typically takes 24 to 48 hours of attachment for the Lyme disease bacteria to be transmitted.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it is important to remove it as quickly and carefully as possible. The safest way to remove a tick is with a fine-tipped pair of tweezers or a specially designed tick removal tool, which is available from your local Allied Pharmacy.

To remove a tick, grasp it as close to the skin surface as possible using the tweezers or tool. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, taking care not to twist, jerk, or squeeze the tick's body, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin, or cause the tick to regurgitate infected material into the bite. Once the tick is removed, clean the bite area thoroughly with antiseptic or soap and water, and wash your hands.

Do not try to burn the tick off, smother it with petroleum jelly or nail polish, or use any other folk remedies, as these methods can increase the risk of infection. After removing the tick, keep an eye on the bite area for several weeks and note the date of the bite. If you develop a rash, flu-like symptoms, or feel unwell, see your GP and mention the tick bite.

The most recognisable early sign of Lyme disease is a distinctive circular red rash that develops around the site of the tick bite, often referred to as a bull's-eye rash or erythema migrans. This rash usually appears within one to four weeks of the bite, though it can sometimes take up to three months. It typically starts as a small red spot that gradually expands outward, sometimes developing a paler centre that gives it a target-like appearance. The rash is not usually painful or itchy, which means it can be easily missed.

However, not everyone with Lyme disease develops the rash. Other early symptoms can include flu-like feelings such as fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for other conditions.

If Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated early, it can progress to more serious symptoms affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. These can include severe joint pain and swelling (particularly in the knees), facial paralysis, heart palpitations, nerve pain, numbness or tingling, and problems with memory and concentration.

If you develop any of these symptoms after a tick bite, or if you have spent time in tick-prone areas, see your GP promptly. Early treatment with a course of antibiotics is highly effective and usually resolves the infection completely.

Your local Allied Pharmacy is a great first stop for advice and supplies to help you stay safe from tick bites this spring. We stock tick removal tools, antiseptic wipes and creams for cleaning bite sites, and insect repellents containing DEET that can help deter ticks when you are spending time outdoors.

If you have been bitten by a tick and are unsure how to remove it safely, pop into your pharmacy and our team can advise you on the correct technique. We can also help you identify the signs of a tick bite and explain what symptoms to watch for in the days and weeks following a bite.

If you are concerned about a tick bite or are experiencing symptoms that may suggest Lyme disease, your pharmacist can advise you on whether you should see your GP and help ensure you receive prompt treatment. We can also provide information on how to protect your pets from ticks, as dogs are particularly susceptible to tick bites during walks in the countryside.

This spring, before you head out for a walk in the woods or a picnic in the park, visit your Allied Pharmacy to pick up tick prevention supplies and get expert advice on keeping your family safe. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing tick-borne illness.