Diagnosis and treatment of recent (acute) Lyme and other tick-borne infections
What does a tick look like?
Ticks are arachnids and resemble mites. It is very important to note that some ticks can be as small as a pin head and therefore easily missed and difficult to identify.
How to identify a tick:
Generally, ticks are:
- Small head and fat egg-shaped body
- 8 slender bent legs
- Reddish dark brown, grey or black in colour
- Vary in size from as small as a pin head to the size of a lemon pip when engorged (fed on blood).
- Small ticks look like a spot or freckle which are hard to remove
- Engorged ticks may have a green-grey or whitish appearance.
Where are ticks found?
Ticks are often found in areas across the UK, including forests and other woodlands, commons, footpaths, sports fields, grassy areas, near the beach, in the garden, city and rural parks etc.
Due to climate change and warmer weather, ticks are not just a “summer threat”, but can be found in natural areas throughout the year.
The United Kingdom has an increasing population which are present across the whole of the UK. Although some areas are still more prevalent, one should be aware of ticks in all areas as a precaution.
How do I tell if it is a tick bite?
Tick bites can be hard to identify due to varying characteristics, such as bite site being itchy for some bites, but not itchy for all bites.
As ticks can be very small, the bite may not be felt and may bite you in areas not easily noticed, e.g. folds of the skin, hair line, on one’s back. Generally, a small bump may appear on the site where the tick attached to the skin. At any point after a tick bite, a rash, swelling, blistering or bruising may appear.
Ticks can carry many tick-borne diseases, which include Lyme (Borrelia), Babesia and Bartonella, amongst others, even in the UK. These different diseases present with different, as well as overlapping symptoms and rashes. You may be infected with Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella and other co-infections without developing any visible rash post tick bite.
If a rash does appear, it may possibly present as a bull’s eye patten (also known as the Erythema Migrans or EM rash), with the site being red, a whiter ring around the site, surrounded by a darker red ring. According to the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), the bull’s eye rash is a valid diagnosis of Lyme and antibiotic treatment of 21 days is recommended, without testing being required in order to treat.
As mentioned before, this bull’s eye rash does not always appear on all those infected with Lyme (also known as Borrelia).
How do I remove a tick?
Often people are not aware of a tick biting them, be it due to size or no pain in the bite, and scratch at the site. This often lead to the head remaining embedded in the skin with possible legs and abdomen still attached, resembling brown bits in the area where bitten. Recommend?
If the tick is still embedded, the following is recommended. If at any point you are unsure of the steps below, please call your GP surgery, Lyme and other tickborne diseases specialist or emergency services:
- Take a photo of the tick whilst embedded. This can be used to show your local GP or Lyme and co-infection specialist.
- Make use of a tick removal device, (if you do not have one, one can be purchased at most pharmacies) or a fine-toothed tweezer to grip the tick gently and as close to the skin as possible.
- Without crushing the tick, pull the tick steadily away from the skin.
- Dispose of the tick by either:
- Sending the tick to a surveillance project for testing
- Place in a sealed bag and place in the bin.
- Sanitize your hands
- Apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.
- Contact your GP or Lyme and co-infection specialist regarding treatment (link to book an appointment on website)
IMPORTANT NEXT STEPS – What do I do after a possible tick bite?
It is very important to contact your GP or Lyme and co-infection (Bartonella, Babesia and other tickborne diseases) specialist and book an appointment to discuss possible treatment and testing.
Recent Tick Bite Services from the TBD Clinic
Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases are usually easier to treat, the earlier they are diagnosed.
If you believe that you have recently (withing the last 4 weeks) been bitten by a tick, please contact us on 07398 416 917 or info@tbdclinic.com to book your 30-minute appointment for Recent Tick Bite Consultation
*This will be a scheduled remote consultation, for within 1 working day of contact.*
What is the Recent Tick Bite Consultation?
- An appointment 1 working day from contact
- 30-minute appointment in which your recent tick bite and possible treatment options will be discussed.
- If treatment includes an antibiotic protocol, a prescription will be provided.
- Cost: £175