Lyme disease is typically spread by the bite of a tick, usually not bigger than a pinhead. Since it is too tiny and the bite does not cause any pain, the tick is difficult to detect. Ticks that feed must be attached for 24-48 hours before the disease is transmitted. It is sad to note that if not quickly identified and treated, Lyme disease can lead to severe issues involving the joints, heart and the nervous system.
Close look on Lyme disease
It is important to note that Lyme disease is caused when a tick passes the disease to an individual while sucking. In most cases, those who have Lyme disease will develop a round-shaped, red-colored rash at the bite site within a month.
Some do not develop a rash while others develop several spots which are called erythema migrans. The rash is usually solid red and forms a ring or multiple rings called a bull’s eye appearance. The rash is usually 4 inches across when seen but often covers large areas of the body. In most cases, bites that leave a ring less than 2 inches is not Lyme disease. Erythema migrans can last for a few days or more than a month. It can be painless or painful, itchy or warm to the touch.
Other early symptoms of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms, low-grade fever, malaise, headaches, fatigue and muscle or joint pain. The condition will not progress to the later stages until weeks or months later.
Possible complications
There are a number of complications that can develop if Lyme disease is not treated. These include meningitis, Bell’s palsy, sore joints, painful muscles and bones, erratic heartbeat and heart block. In addition, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can also occur.
Diagnosing Lyme disease
The condition can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to an unborn child. In some cases, Lyme disease has caused birth defects, miscarriage and other health issues.
The ticks that cause Lyme disease can also spread due to the increasing deer populations. Take note that ticks do not have wings and could not fly or jump, instead they cling to animals or humans and crawl to find a place to attach and feed.
Lyme disease is usually confirmed via a blood test which identifies the existence of antibodies. Nevertheless, it takes 6-8 weeks for the antibodies to show up, thus a blood test that is done soon after acquiring the disease might yield negative results. Even after the disease has progressed and antibodies are present, the tests can oftentimes produce negative results once the individual acquires the disease. In case the individual has early symptoms, immediate treatment is required.
Treatment
The early treatment is comprised of oral antibiotics. Other antibiotics including those administered intravenously are also used. Even with treatment, the symptoms persist for some time and full recovery is not always possible.