Ticks and Lyme Disease

For up-to-date information, visit the NHS websites:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/lyme-disease

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s also known as Lyme borreliosis.

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and moorland areas. They feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans.

Lyme disease is usually easier to treat the earlier it’s diagnosed.

Symptoms:

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular rash around the tick bite. The rash:

• usually develops around 3 to 30 days after you’ve been bitten
• is often described as looking like a bull’s-eye on a dart board
• will be red and the edges may feel slightly raised
• may get bigger over several days or weeks
• is typically around 15 cm (6 inches) across, but it can be much larger or smaller

Some people may develop several rashes in different parts of their body.

Around 1 in 3 people with Lyme disease won’t develop a rash.

Speak to a GP if:

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