Tick bite

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!

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’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!

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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..... ?

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.

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.

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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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.

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….

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 understand how you feel, but try not to worry. I live near Dartmoor and have had numerous ticks over the years.
On one occasion, after a picnic, I had 5 in one arm. I use eyebrow tweezers to carefully remove them, and then use Antisan or even Germolene will do, to stop the itching which usually soon follows a tick bite.
I hae never, to my knowledge, caught Lyme's disease.

Thanks, henetha, and phew! There are lots of places in the UK where it's almost impossible not to experience tick bites (and cleg bites and midge bites; a Scottish froend who recently visited the Lake District said there were midges there, which I don't remember from my Lake District ramblings). If we were all as worried as the OP and some other commenters we'd be in a contstant state of utter panic and dread – NOT good for one's health.

That said, people who are worried should assuredly see someone about their bites if only to be reassured professionally.

You're right Baggs. I've been almost munched to madness by Scottish midges, and also by mosqitos in various parts of Europe. Little pesky creatures are everywhere.
I certainly agree that if anyone is worried they should ask their doctor. One problem here is that the chance of actually seeing a doctor is very low indeed. A phone call might happen is one is lucky!

Usually it’s only if the tick has been attached for 24 hours that you have any risk of Lyme’s disease. There will also be a bulls eye rash. Otherwise you need not worry. Put some antiseptic cream on. If still worried ring your GP.

I got bitten on Madeira last day of holiday. Waited till I got home 30 hours later when it was really irritating. Went to A&E at 1am. Got chucked out cos major accident. Told I could remove it with dog tweezers which I did and see GP next day. Go took no chances as it was red although no bullseye and gave me antibiotic. No alcohol and no sun for 3 weeks!

GP not Go

We have warned people with dogs and children not to stray from the paths because of the risk of ticks but have noticed that most disregard our advice, with dogs especially. In chatting with a ranger he said it is no longer just the deer that are spreading it. The main culprit is dogs.

The thing is my dog has been walked straight to the beach each day and yet she has one, too. It’s only me that was stupid enough to go traipsing across an overgrown area on a last minute whim.

Baggs

Thanks, henetha, and phew! There are lots of places in the UK where it's almost impossible not to experience tick bites (and cleg bites and midge bites; a Scottish froend who recently visited the Lake District said there were midges there, which I don't remember from my Lake District ramblings). If we were all as worried as the OP and some other commenters we'd be in a contstant state of utter panic and dread – NOT good for one's health.

That said, people who are worried should assuredly see someone about their bites if only to be reassured professionally.

With respect Baggs I was just trying to garner as much information as possible about something that had happened to me and is a potential health risk. I think if someone’s son had been as ill from a tick bite as Shelflifes they’d be as concerned too and I’m grateful for that concern. Lyme disease is like Weiles (sp) disease; something people aren’t aware enough of. I’ll just keep an eye on it for now but, if I see any redness developing I’m straight off to A&E. As a tick virgin prior to yesterday a trip to A&E will be an new experience for me. Sometimes it’s best to be cautious.