Ticks & Tick Bites β€” Reference Guide

? First Aid: Recognising and Removing Ticks (Including Lyme Disease Awareness)

Learn how to identify ticks, remove them safely, and prevent Lyme disease

? What is a Tick?

A tick is a small, spider-like parasite that bites and attaches to the skin to feed on blood.
They are most commonly found in grassy, wooded or rural areas, especially between spring and autumn.

βœ… Recognising a Tick

Stage Appearance
Unfed Tick Small (1–3 mm), flat, oval, dark brown/black
Engorged Tick Larger (up to 1 cm), grey or bluish, rounded
  • Ticks usually attach to warm, moist areas like the scalp, armpits, groin, behind knees, or waistline.
  • You may not feel the bite – check carefully after outdoor activity.

? Dangers of Tick Bites

  • Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection.
  • Early symptoms of Lyme disease:
    • Circular rash around the bite (bullseye pattern) – can appear 3–30 days later
    • Flu-like symptoms: fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches
  • If untreated, it can lead to joint, heart, or nervous system problems.

? How to Remove a Tick – Step by Step

  1. Stay calm – avoid squeezing the tick’s body.
  2. Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
  3. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  4. Pull upwards slowly and steadily – do not twist or jerk.
  5. Once removed:
    • Clean the area with antiseptic.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  6. Do not:
    • Use heat, oils, Vaseline, or chemicals to remove a tick.
    • Crush or puncture the tick’s body.

? Aftercare

  • Note the date and location of the bite.
  • Monitor for a rash or flu-like symptoms for up to 30 days.
    • See a GP if symptoms appear or if you’re unsure whether the tick was removed properly.

Related Topics

Further Information

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