Bites

Tick bites

What are ticks?
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They vary in size, usually between 1mm to 1cm long and they have either six or eight legs.

They can be found anywhere there is wildlife, usually in woodland and moorland areas, and are particularly common between March and October. The most common tick in Scotland is the sheep or deer tick. They do not fly or jump but climb on to animals or humans as they brush past.

About tick bites
Tick bites aren't usually painful and sometimes only cause a red lump to develop where you were bitten. However, in some cases they may cause:

swelling
itchiness
blistering
bruising

Speak to your doctor if you have:

a pink or red rash
a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
other flu-like symptoms, such as a headache or joint pain
swollen lymph nodes

Visit NHS Inform for more information about what to do if you think you or your child have been bitten by a tick, how to remove ticks and how to prevent bites.

Animal and human bites

About animal and human bites
Serious animal and human bites can get infected if they're not checked and treated quickly.

Always seek medical advice if you've been bitten by an animal or person and the bite has broken the skin.

The following information is about bites by people and animals such as dogs and cats.

What to do if you've been bitten
If you've been bitten by an animal or another person:

clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes – it's a good idea to do this even if the skin doesn't appear to be broken
remove any objects from the bite, such as teeth, hair or dirt
encourage the wound to bleed slightly by gently squeezing it, unless it's already bleeding freely
if the wound is bleeding heavily, put a clean pad or sterile dressing over it and apply pressure
dry the wound and cover it with a clean dressing or plaster
take painkillers if you're in pain, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – children under 16 years old shouldn't take aspirin
seek medical advice, unless the wound is very minor
If the bite has severed a body part like a finger or ear, wash it with tap water, wrap it in clean tissue, and store it in a plastic bag surrounded by ice so it can be transported to hospital. It may be possible to surgically reattach the body part later on.

When to seek medical advice
If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound. Don't delay seeking help until symptoms of infection appear.

Minor bites can be treated at your GP surgery, or by staff at your local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. For particularly severe bites, visit your local Emergency Department.

Visit NHS Inform for more information about animal and human bites, including signs a bite may be infected and how to avoid animal bites.

Where should I get help?

If your child does not have a life or limb threatening injury, consider calling NHS 24 on 111.

You may be allocated a virtual appointment on the same day with a doctor or nurse practitioner at our Flow Navigation Hub. This may avoid the need to travel to hospital.

If after talking to you and your child, they feel you do need to be seen at an or Minor Injury Unit they will direct you to your nearest one.

Self Care
For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between. Self-care You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home. Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed when required, using the recommended medicines and getting plenty of rest.	Sound advice Children can recover from illness quickly but also can become more poorly quickly; it is important to seek further advice if a child's condition gets worse. More information on common childhood illnesses.
Local Pharmacist
Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare. They are the first port of call for minor ailments and can provide advice and medication (if needed) for a wide range of long term conditions and common ailments including coughs and colds. Pharmacy First is a free service. You do not need an appointment and many pharmacies have a private consultation area. Your pharmacist will let you know if you need further medical attention.	Sound advice Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP. Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should seek further medical advice immediately. Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy.
Health Visitor
Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle and preventing illness through the Universal Health Visiting Pathway. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school. Your health visitor may be able to refer you on to other health professionals, for example if there are hearing or vision concerns. Contact them by phoning your local health visiting team.	Sound advice Health visitors also provide advice, support and guidance in caring for your child, including: Breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating Exercise, hygiene and safety Your child’s growth and development Emotional health and wellbeing, including postnatal depression Safety in the home Stopping smoking Contraception and sexual health Sleep and behaviour management (including temper tantrums!) Toilet training Minor illnesses For more information watch the video:What does a health visitor do?
GP (General Practitioner)
GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.	Sound advice You have a choice of service: Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to the Emergency Department. For minor injuries such as cuts that need stitches, broken bones, sprains and minor burns in children aged 5 or over, go to one of our Minor Injury Units (MIU).

If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, call NHS 111. An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.	Sound advice Use NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.
Emergency Department
Emergency departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call NHS 111 for advice.	Sound advice Many visits to the Emergency Department and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services. If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment. Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to the Emergency Department or riding in an ambulance