Tick bites:
- Using tweezers, grasp tick’s head close to the skin and gently pull upwards.
- Collect tick remnants together in sealed plastic bag.
- Advise casualty to seek medical advice.
What is a tick bite?
Ticks are very small, spider-like creatures which can be found in woodlands or grass. Ticks attach themselves to passing animals (including humans) and bite into the skin, sucking the blood. They can carry diseases so should be removed as soon as possible. If the ticked is infected, you may develop Lymes disease.
What to do
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Using a pair of tweezers, or a tick-removal tool, grasp the tick’s head as close as you can to the skin and gently pull the head upwards.
- Use a steady and even pressure.
- Do not jerk the tick as this may leave parts of it embedded in the skin.
- Do not burn or freeze the tick - or try to remove it with butter or petroleum jelly.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
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Contact your GP surgery if you have been bitten by a tick withing the last 3 months and you have:
flu-like symptoms - such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or a round or oval shaped rash around the tick bite.
