BEAT THE BUG BITES

THIS week: ticks THESE spider-like creatures, often carried on animals, bite and latch onto the skin tightly.

You have to remove them manually to stop infection setting in, says Sultan Dajani of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Ticks can spread the bacterial infection Lyme disease, which can lead to complications such as muscle and joint pain.

To remove a tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it. ‘Pull upwards and out gently, trying not to squeeze the body of the tick — it contains bacteria that can spread infection into the blood.’

When you have removed the tick, give the bite a little squeeze — any blood that comes out will help wash away any bacteria.

Then wash your skin in cold running water and apply antiseptic cream.

Tick bites can take up to three weeks to heal. If you develop unexplained symptoms, such as a high temperature or a rash on the affected area, within a month of the bite, see your GP.