Tickety Boooooo!
In our humble opinion, one of the best things about living in Hampshire is the glorious countryside and countless ways in which we can all get out and enjoy it. However, as is so often the case, such privileges come with some drawbacks and we can certainly count the possibility of tick bites as one of them!
What is a tick?
Ticks are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are found in wooded areas, long grass, and bushes, and are increasing in number as the deer population increases. That being said, with deer moving into urban areas and now becoming a more common feature in gardens, they are bringing ticks with them. In short, whether you are a city slicker or country mouse, understanding about this irritating little critter is a box we all should, well, tick!
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/gallery/index.html
What and how do ticks bite?
Many people’s first encounter with a tick is feeling an unexpected little lump on their dog or cat, which on closer examination looks like a sesame seed with legs attached. If the tick has been attached and feeding a while, it will have grown in size- see image above. If finding a tick on yourself, it could be a tiny spec, or what looks like a ‘new freckle’ that can be lifted at the edges and is attached on one side only (the head!), and it will grow from there if left to its own devices - So far, so unappealing!
Apart from the ‘ick’ factor, why are tick bites a cause for concern?
While many tick bites are nothing more than an unwelcome intrusion, they can also be carriers for some potentially dangerous infectious. The most notable in the UK is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi - it is estimated there are between 2,000–3,000 new confirmed cases each year in England and Wales. Lyme disease from a tick bite is sometimes, although not always, first heralded by a distinctive bull’s eye-type rash (called erythema migrans) around the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue. If you experience any of these after a trip to a potentially tick prevalent area, it is worth seeking medial advice.
You might also have seen some headlines about TBEV- tick borne encephalitis, which is a viral infection, still very rare in the UK but with some studies suggesting that it might be on the rise more recently. Whilst there is no specific treatment for TBEV, there is a vaccine called TicoVac that you may wish to investigate if you feel your risks factors merit it. Indeed, there are some non-UK travel destinations for which vaccination is recommended- so if you are travelling to one of these, please do discuss with your travel vaccine provider. For details of the most affected areas click here
How to avoid tick bites:
1. When enjoying the countryside ideally avoid tick-infested areas: areas with long grass, bushes, and wooded areas in particular
2. If you are out about in tick invested countryside, avoid exposing your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, full length trousers and socks- possibly tucking the former in to the latter! This is one of those areas in which healthcare might come at the expense of sartorial elegance!
3. Use insect repellent: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing.
4. Protect house pets from ticks also - ask your vet for their advice on the most effective and appropriate option for you - we have personal experience of the Seresto collar, but other options are available.
5. When you are home from your ramblings, or the kids come back from cub/scout/brownie camp, check carefully for ticks as soon as possible. Use good light, a wear your glasses if you need them (they are super tiny to start with) and check yourselves and your pets. Remove any that you find promptly (see below) because the longer a tick is attached the higher the risk of an infection.
How to treat tick bites:
1. Remove the tick as soon as possible- but with care! A bespoke tick removing tool is an inexpensive piece of kit that avoids you crushing the tick in your attempts to remove and leaving behind the mouth parts. Otherwise tweezers can sub in, but proceed with caution, grasping the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull out upwards with a steady continuous motion. Try not to twist it to ensure the whole tick is removed. For more detailed instructions see this link.
2. Clean the area: Wash the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.
3. Watch for symptoms: Watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
4. Take precautions: Stay vigilant for several weeks after a tick bite and continue to check for symptoms
5. If you develop any concerning possible Lymes symptoms (bull’s eyerash, fever, headache, fatigue) consult your doctor or the NHS 111 help line as soon as possible. Lymes can be treated with antibiotics.
If you develop any possible symptoms of TBEV such as a high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or reduced consciousness seek urgent medical attention.
For further info: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2014/03/24/tips-and-tricks-to-stay-safe-from-ticks/
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, just give us a call on 01962776010 or email on reception@winchestergp.com.