In Good Health // Be Aware of the Dangers of Ticks Spreading Lyme Disease

As May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, leading Bite Prevention expert and CEO of Incognito, Howard Carter is on a mission to make everyone aware of the dangers of ticks carrying deadly Lyme disease. 

Howard comments, “Tick numbers are at an all time high so far this year and we are yet to reach the peak. There could be literally hundreds of thousands of these arachnids lurking in the undergrowth waiting for a host to feed on.”

Howard continues, “Rain is beneficial for ticks and more rain means more ticks. Therefore, between now until the end of October we can expect many more of them. These numbers are growing because of a longer season due to climate change.”

Typically speaking, ticks live in grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and in the Scottish Highlands, although they are also found in other areas such as urban gardens. According to the NHS, ticks infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme Disease have been found in city parks in Europe and North America. Indeed the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found Lyme in 5 out of 6 of the Royal London Parks.

Here in the United Kingdom, there are over 20 different species of tick, however the most likely species of tick in the UK to bite humans is the Sheep Tick (Ixodes ricinus). There are other ticks that also bite and feed off humans, for example the Hedgehog Tick (Ixodes hexagonus).

Howard adds, “The majority of people are unaware or blasé about the danger and threat of ticks to their long term well being. But getting a correct diagnosis for Lyme is critical as it needs treating early on with antibiotics. Otherwise it can become a chronic and debilitating illness if left untreated. So regardless of your destination, home or abroad; make sure that you consider the risks of ticks before you pack your bags.”

“Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite. Most rashes appear within the first 4 weeks and usually last for several weeks. However, this rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by a tick. The rash is circular in nature and is often described as having a similar appearance to a bulls-eye on a dartboard or target board. Other symptoms include fever and swollen lymph nodes. This combined with the usual painless nature of a tick bite presents a clear need for reliable insect repellent.”

“My useful mnemonic TICKS will help protect you against ticks:

T – Think ticks!

I – Insect repellent is a necessity when out in foliage. Use a PMD-based repellent such as Incognito (www.lessmosquito.com).

C – Check your entire body after outings including hidden crevices such as behind the ears.

K – Keep bare flesh covered where possible. Particularly lower abdomen and legs: tuck trousers into socks – your life is more important than fashion!

S – stay alert to any symptoms.

This advice applies to humans and pets alike. It is shocking the number of animals and people currently being bitten by these arachnids.”

Howard comments, “The best ways to avoid tick bites are to: use a PMD insect repellent such as Incognito on exposed skin; wear protective clothing with long sleeves and long trousers tucked into socks or boots; and treat socks and trouser legs with permethrin-containing insecticide or spray over clothing with insect repellent.”

“Ticks prefer warm and moist areas, armpits, groin or scalp, so ensure a thicker layer of repellent is used on these areas, a roll on would be a better solution for underarms etc. Using a citronella hair and body wash will also help.”

“And get someone to check you after you’ve been out walking for ticks and/or puncture marks. Ticks are not easy to spot as they can be smaller than the size of a pin-head. It’s very difficult to feel a tick latching onto your skin; they are easier to spot once they have been feeding for some time and have swollen to the size of a pea.”

“Unless you know what you're doing, only remove ticks using a special tick remover, as tweezers don’t work as well. You’ve got to be careful taking a tick out; remove it very gently and hold it so that it is vertically above your skin. The chance of contracting Lyme Disease is far less if you successfully remove the tick without squashing its innards into your body.”