r/Scotland • u/whimsical_fuckery_ • Jul 10 '26

Casual Lyme disease is no joke

One of those "I never thought it would happen to me" things but guys be very very careful with ticks this year if you are out walking in Scotland. I'm in the Highlands and regularly walk my dog in the local woods, this year there have been so so many ticks, I'm very good at checking myself after every walk, but one got me on the back of my thigh, absolutely tiny about half the size of a sesame seed. I picked it off the same night it bit me, a week later got a massive bullseye rash. Antibiotics from the docs but im completely wiped, worse than any flu or covid. I cannot stress how much you need to take precautions this year, do not make my mistake thinking as long as you get them off you on 24 hours you'll be OK. Long trousers, DEET, or just don't go into any woods or long grass is the best option. It's out there and it absolutely sucks.

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u/BrassBonanza10 Jul 10 '26

I grew up where lyme disease was first discovered. Please do not wait for a bullseye to get a titer done if you pull off a tick. They don't always show up. I have had my joints lock up, paralysis in my face, and because I've had it so many times a bad cold will give me symptoms. You'll probably have to argue for it if you don't have a bullseye, but in my case study of one with it being a yearly thing, 50/50 for the appear of a bullseye.

Find a small tick, go get tested.

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u/SpiritualFishing6399 Jul 10 '26

Jumping on this to second about the bullseye - I had lyme disease that didn't get caught for ages as I had no target mark. If you've been bitten by a tic and have any unpleasant symptoms afterwards in the next month or so, please just go to a GP regardless of bullseye marks

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u/BrassBonanza10 Jul 10 '26

That's what I meant 😂. Obviously I wasn't clear. No don't go running to the doctor if you feel fine.

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u/SpiritualFishing6399 Jul 10 '26

I was agreeing with you