[Closed] Tick bites - what's the drill?

I had one on my left nipple while on Islay. Mrs took it off with a tick twister, may as well have used a blowtorch as I think the pain wouldv'e been comparable.
I didn't develop anything but was mindful of what to watch out for.

it seemed to come away cleanly.

PJay - is there any possibility that even a tiny part of the tick ie its head is still in your body? Have a good read of the following links:

https://caudwelllyme.com/how-to-remove-a-tick-safely/

https://caudwelllyme.com/symptoms/

There's loads of info on that website, its author was on the NICE guideline committee for Lyme disease.

Shout out if you need more info.

If it's all out, then keep an eye on the bite site. If a rash is going to appear it might take a couple of weeks. Go to the docs if you get a rash and/or flu type symptoms.

is there any possibility that even a tiny part of the tick ie its head is still in your body?

I can't be 100% certain as it was very small but I can't see anything. The site's now just a tiny, red dot (not raised) of a couple of MM across. I will keep an eye on things.

Yes, definitely keep an eye on things and that's a good post from Yak.

It would also now be a good idea to use a repellant during the warm months. Eg Smidge and others with the same active ingredient.

Get the wife to pee on you. Hmm, that may be duck bites.

In a similar vein I've just removed one from my dog.

Removed with a twisty remover thing and the tick was still waving its legs around once removed. Is that a good indicator that they have been removed intact or do they wriggle even with bits left behind?

we've cleaned the puncture area with antiseptic wash and will monitor for developments, but just interested to know if we've got the blighter!

If you notice symptoms do something but otherwise don't worry. I used to pull them off me all the time when I was down in the SW. You can see if you've left anything substantial in if you have a good view of the bite.

Be aware of anything affecting your general health - digestion/nausea, listelessness, tiredness, muscle pains. The rash does not always happen.

Having left any part of it in or not is irrelevant.

I pulled 24 off me a few weeks ago after a bivvy trip.

You can also treat clothing to try and stop the buggers getting onto your skin.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lifesystems-Anti-Mosquito-Clothing-Treatment/dp/B002WN1S5Y/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=%2C+Permethrin&qid=1560433370&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Lyme Disease Toolkit from the Royal College of General Practitioners, this is for both clinicians and patients:

https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/resources/toolkits/lyme-disease-toolkit.aspx

I live not far from the Mendips and have picked up a fair few Ticks over the years. I always keep a Tick Twister removal tool that I purchased from a vets in my Camelbak.

Watch out for the particularly distinctive bullseye rash that can develop after a Tick bite.

Mendips is ime rife with ticks. I avoid the bracken edged trails when the growth is up and always wear long sleeves and check for ticks after every ride. Not as bad in rowberrow as beacon batch area but still be wary.

In a similar vein I’ve just removed one from my dog.

Bravecto is very, very good. My dog gets one tablet around Easter (usually after spotting a tick) and then she doesn't get any ticks for the rest of the season

Be aware that a bullseye rash is only an indication that you’ve been bitten. They don’t always develop and are no indication of Lyme disease

I was wading through long grass both at home (we get deer) and in Scotland in the last week and now I've got a small red and intensely itchy spot on my knee. Will I die?

This may be useful and, yes, that's a 5p coin:

[img] [/img]

A bullseye rash or erythema migrans, is a telltale symptom of Lyme disease, and if I’d developed it after a suspected Tick bite I’d be on the blower to my GP, lively.

Yes, that's right deluded and there's no need for testing either. Worth printing this and taking to any appointment:

https://caudwelllyme.com/what-does-the-nice-guideline-for-lyme-disease-say/

The article (link) above is excellent. We live in Devon and we all pull ticks off us and the dogs regularly. My last was two were last week that unfortunately I didn’t notice until working away, woke up in the night itching and had to wait till morning to acquire a tick puller.
We have tick pullers, in cars, in camelbacks, the house etc.. If you live in a tick area, then a must and a huge improvement over pulling out with tweezers or cotton.
If it comes out clean and no sign of debris, then just watch out for any sign of a rash (especially a bulls eye rash) and or flu ish symptoms.
Two of us have tested positive for Lymes, one of us briefly bad but the recovering and massive antibiotics hit was as bad, the other no noticeable impact. Have met people with long term impact and wouldn’t wish that upon anybody.

The twisters are good for removing reasonable sized ticks, but for the very tiny ones it's hard to get them under the tick, so the hooked tweezers are better. Close them to just fit round the tick and slide the hooks under the legs. Provided you're pulling the whole tick I don't think it matter whether you twist.

My main defence is keeping covered, and 'dusting off' my legs regularly, particularly before getting into a tent, hammock, car, etc.

IMO the best way to deal with ticks (or any other biting insect) is to prevent them getting on your skin. I use Lifesystems Expedition Plus insect repellent - 95% deet, on my bare skin. Been using it for years and it seems to do the job well, although hurts like hell if you get even a little in eyes, tastes awful and apparently even melts plastic...

Found out the recommended Australian removal ideas last week (they have a type of tick that causes anaphylactic shock, so need to get it off quickly)

Basically freeze it with wart spray. Kills it instantly. The other method is smear it in Scabies cream - again, kill it instantly.

Interesting idea! https://ticksafe.com.au/tick-bite-first-aid/

something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/MG-Chemicals-403C-235G-Super-HFO-1234ZE/dp/B07CCHPC1R

Sainsbury's stock Hibiscrub start using that all over your body, inlcuding your head and under your f-skin (assumes you are not jewish?)

IMO the best way to deal with ticks (or any other biting insect) is to prevent them getting on your skin. I use Lifesystems Expedition Plus insect repellent – 95% deet, on my bare skin. Been using it for years and it seems to do the job well, although hurts like hell if you get even a little in eyes, tastes awful and apparently even melts plastic…

The active ingredient in Smidge is proven to work and doesn't ruin your plastics (and some synthetic clothing).

Always check yourself after a ride. I have also found one of these which I am thinking of buying and keeping in my pack. I am particularly against chemicals so this seems a good alternative http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=323644689587&category=20749&pm=1&ds=0&t=1560504014890

Be aware that a bullseye rash is only an indication that you’ve been bitten. They don’t always develop and are no indication of Lyme disease

I'm not a medic but from most guidance I've read and other knowledge this statement is WRONG, as others have pointed out. If in doubt follow some of the links that have been provided.

Provided you’re pulling the whole tick I don’t think it matter whether you twist.

I believe this advice arose because you cannot (you can but it's a palaver and people are less likely to do it) keep pressure on tweezers and twist much beyond c.180 degrees with the average wrist 😉 This is important because (correctly positioned tweezers - grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible i.e. as low down on its body) prevents the tick disgorging into the wound / bite / person / animal when you "stress" it by pulling it out (and hence why all the lighter, vaseline / suffocating solutions are less good / preferable / a daft idea as they all stress the tick and increase the risk of it vomiting its guts into you). The disgorged gut contents are a significant potential source of infection and disease, including Lymes. Hence, if you use tweezers it was easier to close off their "throats" and pull straight out, rather than get halfway through ulling one off and then have to change your grip.

From that Australian website:

If the tick is close to the eyes or genitals don’t attempt to remove it yourself but seek medical assistance.

Argh. I got one along topside of the old chap once and couldn't wait to get it off. The thought of crossing Exmoor by night to find a hospital with ER and then sit in waiting for triage knowing what's burrowing into yr fella? No. No. (Gently) hooked it with tick twister and cleaned area with some surgical spirits. Me and GF somehow managed to harvest a load of them whilst camping. Most found their way into our shorts and, places. It was chimps grooming each other with tweezers by torchlight. Horner Woods BTW. (shudders). No telltale rashes/signs after so we carried on with lives.

As others say, prevention is better. Otherwise keep a tick twister set (two sizes, small for nymph stage), a small mirror or someone who you either know intimately or else don't care if they have to forage in your territory.

Got another on the leg in the Taw valley, many years later. That one started a rash that seemed to trace the vein so went to local GP, when he saw it he prescribed a course of antibiotics. Never had any tests done.

Have read to keep a small plastic bag in high tick areas so you can keep the removed culprit in fridge/freezer(?) for later testing if problems develop.

@cheekymonkey
What part is wrong? People need to be aware that just because they haven’t a rash doesn’t mean they haven’t been bitten or worse.
Also, don’t believe a word the GMC say

Erythema migrans (EM) rash
An EM rash is diagnostic of Lyme disease. However, at least 30% of UK patients may have no rash and may not recall a tick bite. It usually develops within three to 30 days of a tick bite, may not be a typical bull’s eye and may be difficult to differentiate from insect bites. It is not usually hot or itchy and may be distant from the site of the bite. There may be multiple lesions. It may be misdiagnosed as ringworm, cellulitis or other skin conditions and is usually greater than five centimetres in diameter.

If uncertain, seek an urgent specialist opinion and consider punch biopsy for molecular (PCR) testing. Avoid any undue delay in initiating treatment.

Maybe I've misunderstood your post but it appears you are saying a bullseye (if it shows up, and not everyone does, plus it's quite variable in how it presents) is NOT an indication of Lymes whereas my understanding is that it is i.e bullseye = Lymes or at the very least a significant likelihood of it (nothing every being 100% etc etc).

EDIT - the quote is from one of the links someone else has provided. It's easier and quicker than me trying to write it out in my own words.

Ah, yes, confusion.
I’m trying to say don’t rely on developing a rash

Quite a few in Bristol - oddly, I seem to get pick up more than my riding buddies
I find these indispensible:
Tick card
Good test to see if you got the whole beast is to see if the little bugger crawls around afterwards... before executing it and disinfecting the bite.

Just spotted [url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000640l ]Disclosure: Under the Skin[/url] is coming up on BBC Scotland and, presumably, will be on the IPlayer shortly after.

did notice in the week that Decathlon had their own variant of tick twisters on sale.

Last year saw new NICE guidelines for Lyme disease and, whilst these may be helpful for new bites, they do absolutely nothing for those of us who've been ill for some time and have had to resort to private testing, private doctors and private treatment. The UK simply follows the American CDC, Centre for Disease Control.

Please consider signing the following Petition, it's a Government one so you won't get spammed. Thank you.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/245716

I found one on my hand while in a cafe earlier today. It had started drilling. I opted to leave it until I could get back to the van for the twisters but the wee bastard extracted itself a few minutes later. I spotted it on the table and administered the coup de grace.

A half day on the local dh tracks in Devon today and stacks of ticks, brushing them off the dog repeatedly and our legs. Got home and found two more on the dogs back. Be careful out there!
Reference all the rash stuff, bulls eye rash, no rash. I had a typical bulls eye rash and tested positive, better half no rash and no noticeable symptoms but also tested positive. Mine made me ill and the significant dose of antibiotics even more ill, other half had no noticeable impact of either.

Any news on a vaccine?

(I got one in my tummy button from Dartmoor once - little bugger made a run for it after removal and made quite a splat of MY blood when I dispatched it.)

The Americans developed a vaccine but there were problems with it, can’t recall exactly

Yeah I think some countries have a vaccine. There was one developed here, but some legal kerfuffle prevented it being released.

Edit, might be tick borne encephalitus that has a vaccine already.

Yes, I think tick borne encephalitis has a vaccine already that is recommended if playing outdoors in parts of Central & Northern Europe.

Possible Lymes vaccine occasionally seems to get a mention in the media, then all goes quiet.

Just removed one from my thigh. Must have been there for a day and I didn't notice it. Proper buried in there. Think I managed to get most of it out but a fair bit of blood. Put some antiseptic on it then a plaster. Just going to keep an eye on it.

A quick Google about the vaccine and it seems it had the misfortune to appear when whatshisface was peddling lies about MMR. That combined with Lyme being a minor problem compared to other diseases and it's sacked off as a loss. What a shambles.

I have suffered the displeasure of a nasty one, no rash but every other symptom. Cue a couple of weeks of proper hardcore antibiotics. Thankfully when they suspect it they act.

On the other hand I have had a couple of bites and only one had any impact.

Had one three weeks ago, just below the knee. Sent it off for testing and had an email back confirming the flavour.

Horrible little things; I used tweezers to get it off - think he had been in about 36 hours.

Got an immunisation for tick borne encephalitis once, when mountaineering in the Russian Caucasus. Definitely something you don't want to get…

Anyway, found this:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48606826

What are your thoughts on tick removal tools? Which is better of the card or tweezer type?
Thanks,
Simon.

What are your thoughts on tick removal tools? Which is better of the card or tweezer type?

From the website of LymeDiseaseUK charity website, looks to be the O'Tom Tick Twister:

https://lymediseaseuk.com/tickremoval/

Shop:

https://www.ticktwister.co.uk/shop/

Lyme disease toolkit for GPs, HCPs and the public:

https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/resources/toolkits/lyme-disease-toolkit.aspx

Thanks - very useful links

Had a night wild camping on the west coast last weekend and picked up a few of the really tiny stage ones, just not visible for a couple of days when the bite starts going pink. No bullseye thankfully, already been on the antibios for those twice!

Pulled what I thought was a wee scab on my back off yesterday. Turns out it was a tick full of my blood... Going away on holiday on Friday, so emergency appointment with GP today, 2 weeks of doxycycline in case symptoms develop when I'm away. On the plus side, ticks in the borders typically don't carry Lymes, so fingers crossed.

On the plus side, ticks in the borders typically don’t carry Lymes, so fingers crossed.

Out of interest, who said that?

On the plus side, ticks in the borders typically don’t carry Lymes, so fingers crossed.

Out of interest, who said that?

Doctor, trying to figure out where I'd picked it up. She mentioned New Forest and Lake District (I think) as being not so good.

On the plus side, ticks in the borders typically don’t carry Lymes, so fingers crossed.

No idea how they can claim that, I have a friend who was very ill with Lyme disease from tick picked up on a ride at Glentress, and I've also had the bullseye rash from a tick at a ride at Glentress and was treated but no illness.

Do you think there are folk who are immune to ticks??
All my mates have had ticks yet out of the years I’ve been biking I’ve never had one,And I have a stoma bag so regularly go into the grass/reefs to “take the call of nature”
Or just darn lucky

Thank you Cinammon Girl your link shows that I may have been covered in the lava after a run earlier in the week (I posted on here)

I thought I was ok because the field I ran through had not had livestock in it and unfortunately there are no deer in the area, or is that no guide?

Are there published maps showing detailed areas where people have been effected?

[url= https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/BFTP ]The Big Tick Project[/url] has a [url= https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/BFTP/why-protect/map-of-threats ]Map of Risk[/url] for the UK & lots of other info.

That map looks useful, but may not be 100% relevant. It looks like a copy, as it's not interactive, although it says it is. The original project was done in 2015, and was based on a survey of vets to find out about ticks picked up by dogs. So it will relate to ticks in areas where dogs are walked, not necessarily where people ride, and may be skewed by whether people take their dogs to a vet or remove ticks themselves.

It looks as if Public Health England have a [url= https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-surveillance-scheme ]Tick Awareness & Surveillance Scheme[/url] there's lots of information on the website. You can also send in tick samples for recording and testing. They have a [url= https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/493971/Ricinus_map.pdf ]map[/url] but it only seems to show distribution rather than risk (the amount of infection in the tick population) so I'm not sure it's particularly useful.

PHE also have a [url= https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lyme-disease-guidance-data-and-analysis ]Lymes Disease section[/url].

Doctor, trying to figure out where I’d picked it up. She mentioned New Forest and Lake District (I think) as being not so good.

Thanks zigzag69. At one time on the NHS website it stated the high risk areas for ticks which certainly included the New Forest and the Lake District. However it's now known that they're pretty much everywhere. Fingers crossed though that you'll be OK, in case you haven't seen this it's worth a read:

https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/resources/toolkits/lyme-disease-toolkit

Thank you Cinammon Girl your link shows that I may have been covered in the lava after a run earlier in the week (I posted on here)

I thought I was ok because the field I ran through had not had livestock in it and unfortunately there are no deer in the area, or is that no guide?

Are there published maps showing detailed areas where people have been effected?

FunkyDunc have now read your post and those pics are amazing especially the sky. Ticks don't fly or jump you'll be pleased to know but it's not just deer that are hosts - foxes, squirrels and birds are too. Ticks 'quest' which means they hold onto grass or leaves by their third and fourth pair of legs, they hold their first pair of legs outstretched waiting to climb on a host.

If I were you, fully body cover would be the way to go and a thorough check over when you return home from running or cycling.

There are a lot of variables in UK ticks & Lyme disease, so it's best to be open minded:

It's no longer a case of where there is Lyme, it's now a case of 'how prevalent' within the tick population. Scottish research suggests between 4 and 15% of ticks carry the relevant Borelia bug.
Prompt removal with a proper tick tool is largely but not wholly effective in preventing it being passed on.
The longer it's attached, the more likely an infected tick is to pass it along to you.
Any mammal or bird can act as a carrier and therefore be a vector in spreading the bug.
Newly hatched ticks, who have yet to have their first meal cannot carry the bug as they haven't caught it yet.
Ticks can creep into dark, well hidden locations on their chosen host, so check carefully.
If you have 2 from the following 3 indicators, go see your GP promptly:
1. A tick attached to you;
2. A rash that goes beyond a simple histamine reaction a few mm round the bite site.
3. Flu like or similar ill/aching symptoms within three weeks.
For 2, take an image for reference and keep checking for enlargement/enragement of the bite.
Once at the GP, you can expect a prescription of doxycycline for 2 weeks. Yuk, horrible stuff...

Good post highlandman and would also add that it can be helpful by drawing around an EM rash with a biro to monitor whether it's spreading.

Doxy now given for 3 weeks with an option of a further 3 weeks if symptoms persist, as per latest NICE guidelines.

A couple of weeks on Doxy and you don't know if it's Lyme making you feel crap or if it's the medication.

I've just removed a couple after a weekend in the North Yorks moors.
Having not been bitten before I was surprised that the bit at the back is flat not bulbous, does this mean that it hasn't fed?
No bullseye rash, just a red dot with a raised bit. I think I feel ok but I'm very queezy with medical things so just the thought makes be feel odd.

I got ticks from most rides last year, this year have picked up an aerosol style midge and tick spray from Tesco and so far so good, tend to spray more into my car then on my legs and arms but no ticks since I started using it

Do you think there are folk who are immune to ticks??

The only one that ever latched onto me in The Lake District died while attached, possibly from a Sandwich blood-born infection. I often wonder what was in the army vaccinations that I had in the early 80's whatever it was Ticks don't like the anti-bodies.

The dead tick I bagged just in case was obviously not dead as it's no longer in the bag. Hopefully it will die before riding me again.
Did the bag have a hole in it or did it bite its way out!