What it is
It is treated with antibiotics, and most people recover fully. Without treatment, it can affect the joints, nerves or heart.
Removing ticks quickly with fine tweezers or a tick removal tool reduces the risk of infection.
Common signs
- A circular red rash around the bite, which may spread
- High temperature and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Later: facial weakness, joint swelling or palpitations
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the rash
- Blood tests, if there is no rash
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Photos of the rash and the date of the tick bite
- Blood test results
- Antibiotic course details
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need antibiotics?
- What symptoms mean I should come back?
- How can I avoid tick bites?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Facial weakness, a stiff neck with severe headache, chest pain or fainting after a tick bite: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.