A pharmacist has revealed how to tell if an insect bite is the work of a harmless midge, or a tick that’s infected you with debilitating Lyme disease.
A rash that looks ‘like a bullseye or target’ developing around the bite is a red flag and a reason to visit a GP urgently, warns pharmacist Richard Harrison of Asda Pharmacy UK.
The condition, which is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks, can cause a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, high temperature, paralysis and joint pain.
Infected ticks are found all over the UK, but high-risk places include regions in the South of England that are grassy and wooded, and they are most active during the summer months.
Rapid treatment of the infection is vital to reduce the risk of long-term symptoms, experts say.
This involves both seeking medical help and removing the tick from the skin as quickly as possible.
‘Use a clean, fine-tipped pair of tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and steadily,’ says Harrison.
‘Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick, as this can leave parts of it behind or increase the risk of infected material being pushed into the bite.
Cases of potentially fatal Lyme disease have risen by more than 20 per cent in England over the past year, public health experts have warned
The telltale rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within a couple of weeks.
Infected bites are also a serious health risk. In extreme cases they can trigger life-threatening sepsis, where the immune system overreacts to an infection.
Mosquito, horsefly and spider bites are those most likely to get infected, although bites from ants and fleas are also vulnerable, says Harrison, who advises visiting a pharmacist at the first signs of infection (swelling, discharge and intense pain).
Another serious risk is an allergic reaction, which can happen to those who’ve never had such a reaction before.
This can happen with a bite from a mosquito, but is more commonly associated with stinging insects.
Signs of anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction- include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy and skin that feels cold to the touch.
The pharmacist has also revealed the characteristics of specific types of bites, so patients can tell exactly which bug has bitten them.
‘Mosquito bites usually appear as small, raised, itchy bumps that may become red or inflamed,’ Harrison says. ‘They often develop shortly after being bitten and are most commonly found on exposed areas such as the arms, legs and face.
Mosquito bites tend to appear either as singular marks or as a cluster in a random order
Horsefly bites tend to be more painful than they are itchy, Richard said
‘What makes mosquito bites different is that they’re typically isolated or appear as a few scattered bites rather than in a distinct pattern.’
If a bite hurts immediately, it’s likely to have come from a horsefly, says Harrison.
‘Horsefly bites tend to be more painful than many other insect bites because the insect cuts the skin rather than simply piercing it.
‘The bite may leave a larger red area, significant swelling and sometimes bruising around the site.’
In a warning to parents, he said that children who have sustained horsefly bites will likely complain of soreness rather than itchiness.
He advised: ‘Keeping the area clean, using a cold compress and avoiding scratching can help.’
A bite from a midge, however, tends to be very small but can be extremely itchy, he added.
‘They often occur in clusters, particularly on the legs, ankles, arms or areas of skin exposed outdoors.
‘Because midges tend to bite in groups, parents may notice several small red spots appearing at the same time. The main symptom is normally persistent itching rather than pain.
‘Treatment focuses on reducing irritation through cooling the area, avoiding scratching and using suitable itch-relief treatments.
‘Sometimes washing the area with mild soap and water and then applying a cold compress can help to relieve the midge bites.
Midges thrive in damp and humid environments. In particular, they’re known to inhabit marshy areas in Scotland including the West Highlands.’
A less recognisable type of bite is that that comes from a flea, Harrison says.
‘Flea bites frequently appear as small, intensely itchy red bumps, most commonly around the ankles, lower legs or areas close to clothing lines.’
He added flea bites often come in groups of three or more, and tend to appear in a straight line – whereas some other bites appear randomly.
‘Treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing infection from scratching. Persistent symptoms or signs of infection should be assessed by a pharmacist.’
Ms Harrison has urged those suffering from troublesome bites and stings to seek help from their pharmacist.
‘Most bites are nothing to worry about with the right first aid, but some need prompt treatment to avoid infection,’ said Faisal Tuddy, Asda’s head of pharmacy.
‘You can walk into any Asda Pharmacy, no appointment needed, and we’ll assess it, treat it, and prescribe antibiotics on the spot if needed.’
