A top Lyme disease expert has issued a warning to people venturing the outdoors to beware of ticks as the Highlands experiences one of the hottest summers in recent years.
Dr Jim Douglas, of Tweeddale Medical Practice in Fort William, has urged the safe removal of ticks to avoid the infection of Lyme disease being transported into humans.
Dr Douglas, who has developed a professional interest in the disease, has asked people not to refrain from venturing into the great outdoors in fear of contracting the disease, but to be ultra vigilant.
He said: “It is much more important to be out and about and active. We don’t want people to be put off going outdoors by the risk of ticks. It is much healthier for adults and children to be out exploring by hill walking, camping, and carrying out other activities.
“Lyme disease is a risk we can easily manage with some common sense.”
He added: “Essentially, just because you are bitten by a tick does not mean you are going to get Lyme disease.
“You can reduce your chances of getting the disease by removing the tick as quickly as possible. It can take more than 12 hours for the bacterium which causes Lymes to be passed on, so the sooner the tick can be removed the better.”
Lyme disease can bring a circular red skin rash around a tick bite and can appear up to three months after being bitten. Often most rashes appear within the first four weeks.
Not every suffer of Lyme disease develops a rash. Others can display similar symptoms to flu, often suffering from high temperatures, headaches, muscle and joint pain, tiredness and a reported loss of energy.
Only around 10% of ticks are infected with the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
Dr Douglas said: “Initial figures present that there are just as many cases this year as last year.
“In the warm weather humans will roam in shorts and t-shirt which makes it a much easier method for ticks to get onto the body.
“If you are out walking, stick to paths rather than brushing through bracken and heather. If sitting on grass, it is a good idea to put down a blanker or cover, or use a picnic table rather than the grass.
“I would advise people to check themselves for ticks when they get home, behind the knees, groins and belly button, as ticks tend to prefer the warmer and moisty areas.”
How to safely remove a tick
Dr Douglas advises: “The correct way to remove ticks is not with finger nails or vasceline. Plastic tick removal tools, in the form of the plastic twister or card, are the best option.
“I would advise against using tweezers as these can squeeze the body of the tick and encourage the disease transmission.
“Prevention is everything, as is quick removal using the tick removal devices. If you do discover a rash around a tick bite, take a photo and make an appointment to see your GP.”
The NHS advises when removing a tick to:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool – available from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick
- Dispose of the tick once removed
- Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water
The NHS recommends you see a GP if you have been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where infected ticks are found and you experience flu like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick – or a circular red rash.
Be sure to tell your GP if you have been in forests or grassy areas.
