Tick bites
Tick bites and Lyme disease
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans.
They can be found in areas where there is wildlife, including woodland, grassland, moorland and areas with long grass. They do not fly or jump, but can attach to people or animals as they brush past.
About tick bites
Tick bites are not usually painful and may only cause a small red lump where you were bitten.
Sometimes a tick bite may cause:
- swelling
- itching
- blistering
- bruising
What diseases can ticks carry?
Some ticks can carry infections, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks.
Being bitten by a tick does not mean you will definitely get Lyme disease, but it is important to be aware of the symptoms and remove ticks as soon as possible.
Read NHS 111 Wales information about Lyme diseasePreventing tick bites
When spending time outdoors, especially in woodland, grassland or areas with long grass, you can reduce your risk of tick bites by:
- keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass where possible
- wearing long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks
- wearing light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- using insect repellent on exposed skin
- checking your skin for ticks after being outdoors
- checking children’s head and neck areas, including the scalp
- checking that ticks are not brought home on clothes
- checking pets so they do not bring ticks into your home in their fur
How to remove a tick
If you have been bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upwards slowly and firmly without twisting or crushing the tick.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water afterwards.
- Apply antiseptic to the skin around the bite if available.
Do not use a lit cigarette end, match head, alcohol, petroleum jelly or other substances to try to force the tick out.
When to get medical advice
There is usually no need to contact your GP if you have been bitten by a tick and have no symptoms.
Please seek medical advice if you develop symptoms after a tick bite, including:
- a circular or oval rash around the bite
- a pink or red rash
- a high temperature or fever
- flu-like symptoms, such as headache, tiredness, muscle pain or joint pain
- swollen glands
- feeling generally unwell
Call 111 for urgent medical advice. Call 999 in an emergency.
Further information
For Welsh NHS advice about Lyme disease, including symptoms and treatment, visit NHS 111 Wales.