Tick bite

A and E is an option . Please don't feel you are wasting their time - you are'nt ! Chances are the tick was not carrying Lyme Disease , however knowing how ill my son was ( and he got off lightly)! I am super aware of possible consequences . Many doctors and pharmacists in England do not take tick bites seriously enough. Many insects bites cause illness , pain , temperature rise etc . , but nothing as serious and life changing as Lyme Disease can be . In your shoes I would be off promtly to my nearest hospital A and E.

I’ll phone my doctor on Monday and hope they’re more helpful than they’ve been about DH’s blood clot! We’re really in the wars at the moment….

I’ve spoken to a pharmacist and he just gave me the NHS guidelines. I think the main problem is people not knowing they’ve been bitten and not looking out for the symptoms. The pharmacist told me that insect repellent doesn’t deter them anyway so I don’t feel quite so stupid about not putting insect repellent on. Anyway, I then found one on the dogs head. Same size as mine so I wonder if I may have picked it up at the same time. I’ve tried not to use flea and tick stuff on the dog but from now on she’ll be treated. I won’t use the Bravecto tablet which can cause adverse reactions but Advantex(sp) which I’ve just ordered from the vets here (we’re away from home). I wish I’d kept ‘my’ tick cause they can test them to see if they’re carrying infection but I’ve got the dog’s.

Maybe70, PLEASE see a doctor . The bulls eye rash does not always show when Lyme Disease is present . More than likely all will be well but do not risk that. My son removed a tick from his leg and thought no more about it. After a few weeks of feeing very tired and ill he saw a doctor, who dismissed Lyme Disease. My son did not improve and insisted on a blood test , it was Lyme Disease he had 3 months on antibiotics!! He was lucky no major problems but years later still has bouts of extreme tiredness, and slight loss of co- ordination in one hand. I think in Scotland antibiotics are routinely given as a precaution. England is only just waking up to the fact that antibiotics are necessary. They must be taken asap!!! If you are unable to contact a doctor today please see a pharmacist, many can dispence antibiotics. I have no desire to alarm you but feel very strongly you must deal with this now. Please go today , and let us know how you get on . In your position I would try very hard to get antibiotics. I am sure you do not need me to tell you how debilitating Lyme Disease can be. A walk in centre sounds like a good idea. Please go and let us know how you get on .Good luck .

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Also agree with *Espee. I've had several ticks on me but it's the bull's eye reaction that is key but also look out for vague joint pain and flu like symptoms. A friend got that reaction recently, went straight to doctor and was put on a three week antibiotic course. Not all ticks carry Lyme's.

Espee is spot on with that advice.

I get them regularly and remove them with a O 'tom Tick Twister. They get the whole tick out.

I’d recommend Anthisan for afterwards. It’s good for any bites and stings.

Put some disinfectant on the site of the bite. I've had 67 tick bites so far this year and no problems. I always disinfect bite sites after removing the savage beast. I use some old gin.

Wearing long trousers/sleeves doesn't protect you. They climb onto the fabric and then find their way to skin somehow.

I think there is too much of a scare campaign coming over from the States. The risk of Lyme Disease is low. I've had multiple bites every year for the last fifteen years and haven't become ill. This year has been particularly ticky for some reason – cold spring? ?‍♀️

Cleg (horse-fly) bites on the other hand..... ?

Esspee is right about the rash etc. If you used a proper tick remover then you should be OK. Don't stress about it though, if you are worried see your Dr.
We have quite a big problem with ticks here in rural France, we check our dogs and cat regularly. Ticks are horrible things - ugh.

If you get a bull’s eye type rash you should see a doctor immediately. Otherwise you will be fine.

The right precautions would be to go and see a doctor who can prescribe a course of antibiotics straight away, so that you don’t develop Lymes disease.

It’s not the tick bite that’s itching: it’s thinking about ticks.

I think the advice to see a doctor straight way is if you haven't removed all of the tick.

Antihistamines should help with the itching.

nanna8

I should think if you got it that soon you would be ok. Maybe chat to the chemist to be sure. I have heard that Vaseline can help but I’m not medical so it is just hearsay. Didn’t know you had those things in the UK and thought it was only here in Australia we got the nasties!

I didn’t think anything could be worse than dog fleas till tonight. I’ve got insect repellent everywhere, even by the door. I only changed my mind at the last minute and went deer hunting(with a camera that is). Advice on the internet seems to go from see a doctor straight away to don’t worry!

I’m pretty sure I got it all out. I’ve got a collection of tick removers because I’ve always worried about the dog picking one up. I wish I could stop itching!

Did you manage to remove the entire tick, including the mouth part? I understand that that is very important.

According to the NHS website you only need to see someone if you become ill. www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/

I should think if you got it that soon you would be ok. Maybe chat to the chemist to be sure. I have heard that Vaseline can help but I’m not medical so it is just hearsay. Didn’t know you had those things in the UK and thought it was only here in Australia we got the nasties!