Summer is the peak time when ticks can be active.

A surgery in Lancashire has issued a summer warning for ticks and Lyme disease.

In a recent patient newsletter by NM Health Innovation Ltd, a spokesperson for Buckshaw Village Surgery said summer is the peak time when ticks can be active.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick

placeholder image — Lyme disease is an infection caused by a group of bacteria transmitted through an infected tick

They said: “The summer months are the peak times when ticks can be active, and in hot weather when our clothing means we are less covered, the risk of a bite is higher.

“A tick bite can be very dangerous as it can lead to infections such as Lyme disease or encephalitis.

“You can reduce the chances of tick bites by walking only on clearly defined paths, using tick repellent and performing regular tick infections.”

Ticks can cause an acute inflammatory disease characterized by skin changes, joint inflammation, and flu-like symptoms called Lyme Disease. | Getty images

What are ticks?

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in woods, areas with long grass, and sometimes in urban parks and gardens found all over the UK.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.

What are the symptoms?

A circular or oval shape flat or raised rash that can look like a dart board.

flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery.

Headaches.

Aching muscles or feeling sick.

The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red or purple when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin which may look like a bruise.

Visit your GP if you have concerns.