Protect your family from Lyme disease

Welcome to Lyme Disease UK.

If your family are often out enjoying the British countryside, you should be aware of the dangers of tick borne disease. Most notably, Lyme disease.

(Image © Health Protection Scotland)

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks.

Ticks feed on the blood of birds and mammals such as mice and hedgehogs, who act as reservoirs for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Once a tick has contracted the bacteria it is then capable of passing it on to the next animal, or human, they bite.

Ticks are most active from early spring to late autumn, but they are still a threat in the winter months. They can be found in areas with tall grasses and woodland but they have also been found in town parks and gardens. This is likely due to birds and pets, who unknowingly act as ‘transportation’. It is important to be vigilant with your children in areas where ticks may be questing.

Ticks on children

tick on eyelash
An embedded tick on a child’s eyelid
tick in ear
Partially fed tick in a child’s ear
Nymph tick behind a baby's ear
Partially fed tick above child’s ear
tick on baby
Nymph tick behind a baby’s ear

Protect your family from ticks and Lyme by following these steps:

  1. Carry a tick removal tool and learn how to remove embedded ticks correctly;
  2. Take a look at this map to see if where you live or where you will be visiting, is at high-risk for tick activity whilst being aware that ticks have been found everywhere throughout the UK;
  3. Do not let your children play in leaf litter and tall grasses without wearing an insect repellent and thoroughly checking them over before returning home – see Dr. Seal’s repellent review for brand advice;
  4. Be vigilant when introducing your children to animals;
  5. When partaking in outdoor activities, stick to clear pathways;
  6. Wear long-sleeves and tuck trousers into socks to reduce skin exposure – light colours may improve tick visibility;
  7. Check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks when you’ve been outside;
  8. Embedded ticks should be removed as quickly as possible using the tick removal technique;
  9. Have a shower and thoroughly check for ticks when you get home;
  10. It is possible to buy pre-treated clothing from camping or hunting shops that has been sprayed with the repellent permethrin – this product can also be sprayed onto clothing and shoes but it should not be applied directly to skin and it is highly toxic to cats.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

An EM Rash
An EM rash may appear in some cases

An EM rash, also known as a bulls-eye rash may only occur in two of every three cases, so how else can you identify Lyme disease?
Acute symptoms can include: headache and migraine; fatigue; muscle and joint pain; nick stiffness; a fever; sweats; facial palsy and swollen glands. Lyme disease can present differently in each person and parents should look out for mood swings and irritability in their children. Feeling like you have a ‘summer flu’ or becoming unwell after a camping trip are key indications of a tick bite.

What to do if you suspect Lyme disease

Anyone presenting with an EM rash needs to see their GP straight away who should diagnose Lyme disease and treat the infection antibiotics. There is no need for blood testing when an EM rash is present. If your GP is unsure, please direct them to the PHE website for guidance and suggest that they complete the RCGP Lyme disease module online.

If you suspect Lyme disease but have no rash, be clear with your healthcare provider about your potential exposure to ticks and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will likely need to perform an ELISA blood test to check for antibodies. However, antibody production can be delayed for 4-6 weeks after an infected bite and current testing is flawed, meaning false negative results are possible.  If you receive a negative ELISA and still suspect Lyme disease please discuss further with your GP or get in touch with us for support.

Help LDUK raise awareness

Lyme disease can cause serious illness and disability if left untreated. There are many Lyme disease patients living with the consequences of late-stage and chronic disease due to a delay in treatment. You can help us to prevent this happening to your friends and families by encouraging people to protect themselves from tick bites, and teaching others about Lyme disease. Share this page to your social network or head to the LDUK downloads area to find print outs and more.