What to do after a tick bite

Ticks live in grass, bracken and woodland, including parks and gardens. Most bites are harmless. Knowing the signs, and when a test can help, makes the difference.

Removing a tick

1. 1

   Grip close to the skin

   Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, as near the skin as you can.
2. 2

   Pull up slowly

   Steady and straight. No twisting, squeezing, burning or oil.
3. 3

   Clean the bite

   Antiseptic or soap and water, then wash your hands.
4. 4

   Log it

   Date, place and a photo. The Lyma app does this in one step.

Know the rash

Likely Lyme (erythema migrans): spreads out from the bite, usually 1 to 4 weeks later and sometimes up to 3 months. Often not itchy or painful. It can look like a bullseye but often doesn't, and can be harder to see on darker skin.

Usually not Lyme (a bite reaction): a small red patch within a day or two that fades in about 48 hours. More likely to be hot, itchy or sore.

Testing and timing

Tests look for antibodies, which take weeks to build. Testing straight after a bite isn't useful: a result can be Not detected even if you are infected. If you feel unwell in the weeks after a bite, a test is more likely to give a true answer from about 4 weeks.

Lowering your risk outdoors

• Keep to paths and avoid brushing through long grass and bracken.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks, and use an insect repellent.
• Check your skin, children and pets at home: skin folds, behind the knees and the hairline.