So do YOU know what to do about a tick bite?

TWO-Thirds of people in scotland have first-hand experience of a tick bite – yet most do not know what they should do about it, according to a new study.

Tick bites can cause Lyme disease, which can leave lifelong debilitating symptoms.

A quarter of the UK’s Lyme disease cases are in scotland, and summer is the peak season for the ticks which can carry it.

But while swift treatment usually makes the disease easier to treat and increases the chances of a full recovery, 66 per cent of people are not aware of the early symptoms of the disease.

A survey carried out ahead of the launch of a scottish Government campaign to raise awareness of the condition also found that 54 per cent of people do not know what to do if they are bitten by a tick.

health secretary humza Yousaf said: ‘Taking measures to prevent bites, knowing what to do if you are bitten and being able to recognise the signs of Lyme disease will help avoid infection.’

Lyme disease is rare but it can be passed on by infected ticks. it can trigger extreme fatigue and muscle aches, sometimes long after the original bite.

doctors have urged people to look for the earliest symptoms, which often appear as a red circular skin rash resembling a dartboard bullseye. Cold or flu-like symptoms are also common.

People should take measures to protect themselves from being bitten, including sticking to pathways rather than walking through long grass, using a repellent spray and not exposing bare skin.

Tom Evans, professor of molecular microbiology at the University of Glasgow, said: ‘Lyme disease can be difficult to detect, and while most cases are mild, if not found early it can have serious and lifelong side effects.

‘Therefore it’s really important to be aware of any symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite.’ rico Franchi, a father of three from Glasgow, was a martial arts enthusiast before his life was blighted by Lyme disease. he is still suffering from exhausting symptoms and can no longer take part in sport.

The 40-year-old singer and vocal coach first fell ill with extreme fatigue and joint pain in 2010 but was not diagnosed with Lyme disease until two years later.

he said: ‘it floored me and my lifestyle changed completely. i hope this campaign encourages more people to take precautions, so they don’t have to go through what i did.’