22 November 2007 11:54
I’ve been bitten by a tick – what should I do?
Answer
By Anonymous
• Remove it immediately. Use tweezers and grip the tick close to your skin and pull out steadily, without jerking or twisting. Try not to squeeze the tick and if any parts are left behind, remove like a splinter and clean with antiseptic.
• Or invest in Tick-Out Tick-Removers – specifically designed for efficient tick removal. £5 from outdoor shops or see reader giveaway.
• Don’t try burning them off or covering them with oil/salt/Vaseline – it makes them regurgitate saliva into the bite and increases the chance of infection.
• Don't panic! Many ticks don't carry Lyme Disease or TBE and swift removal reduces the risk of infection. But always keep an eye out for the symptoms described (see below) and seek medical advice if in doubt.
• For more info see: www.masta-travel-health.com/tickalert/, the Health Protection Agency at www.hpa.org.uk, or contact your GP.
Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Incubation: 6-14 days
Symptoms: Fever, headache, runny nose followed by stiff neck, severe headaches, photophobia (dislike of bright lights), delirium, paralysis and potentially death.
Treatment: Nothing specific
Vaccination? Yes, for those going to high-risk areas.
Lyme Disease
Incubation: 5-14 days
Symptoms: Rash spreading from site of tick-bite, fatigue, headache, pain in muscles and joints. Can lead to facial paralysis, meningitis and nerve-inflammation.
Treatment: Antibiotics, best started as early as possible. Recurrence of symptoms is possible.
Vaccination: No
