Protect yourself against tick bites
You may have come across our “Summer Hazards” article earlier this month and noted our warnings about ticks. Ticks, although small, can cause big problems if you aren’t aware of them! In this article we explain how best to avoid ticks and what to do if you believe you have been bitten.
Ticks are small spider-like parasites that may climb or latch onto our skin, or the skin of animals, as we brush past them. They feed on blood and can transmit certain diseases, one of which is Lyme disease. Lyme disease affects between 400 – 500 people in the UK every year. Being bitten doesn’t mean you’ll definitely be infected, however, it is crucial that steps are taken to avoid getting bitten. If you do get bitten, monitor the bite closely and speak to a GP if you start to feel unwell or a circular ‘bulls-eye’ rash starts to form around the area of the bite.
Ticks are mainly found in grassy, bushy areas and are most active from spring time, through summer into autumn, but it’s good to be aware all year round. They’ll likely bite wherever they can reach your skin which is why it is essential to wear the correct footwear.
We recommend sticking to footpaths where possible and wearing closed-toe shoes or boots to create a physical barrier between your feet and the ground. This will make it difficult for ticks to access your skin. Additionally, selecting footwear to cover your ankles or tucking your trousers into socks adds an extra layer of protection. By investing in suitable footwear and taking precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and safeguard your health.
Tick bites don’t tend to be painful and often only cause a red lump to develop where you were bitten. However, in some cases you may have swelling, itchiness, blistering or bruising. Often you cannot see the tick until it starts to become engorged with blood.
It is possible to carefully remove a tick at home and the accepted method is to use a tick remover or a pair of fine nosed tweezers to delicately clamp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull slowly away without twisting or crushing the tick. It is important not to leave the head in the skin as this can be a portal for infection. Do not squeeze the tick or try to smother the tick with any substances. Make sure to wash your skin with water and soap afterwards and then apply a suitable antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite site. If you have any doubts about how to do this see somebody that does know and has experience of removing them.
If you are faced with a tick bite on your foot, ankle or lower limb and it’s causing you some concern, you can seek the assistance of a podiatrist. We can provide you expert guidance and care, assessing the affected area and determining if the tick has been fully removed, ensuring no mouthparts or remnants are left behind. Where necessary, we can also safely extract any remaining parts to minimise your risk of skin infection.
Moreover, as podiatrists we can monitor the bite site for any signs of infection or adverse reactions and recommend appropriate treatment. We can also offer advice on wound care and provide recommendations on preventive measures to avoid future tick bites.
If you are concerned about a tick bite on your foot, book a consultation with our expert team either via our booking page or calling our patient care team on 01372 723000.
