Ticks & Tick Bites — 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.

✅ 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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