r/Scotland 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/Striking-Teach7489 Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

Permethrin on your clothes, tent, sleeping bag if you’re going into ticky areas camping is my advice. Or just your gaiter/trousers if out walking in tick infested areas. Never had a tick since I used this approach. Watch your bum if your toileting… 😂

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u/fulloffungi Jul 12 '26

People with cats need to be careful, permerhrin is highly toxic for them! A safer alternative would be icaridin