Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochete bacteria. The condition can spread to humans via the bite of deer ticks infected by the bacteria. It is important to note that deer ticks thrive in forests or wooded, grassy, marshy areas close to lakes, rivers or oceans.
Many individuals who are infected with the Lyme disease are bitten while hiking or camping or during outdoor activities from late spring to early fall.
What are the indications?
The initial and characteristic symptom of Lyme disease is a localized rash that starts as a pinkish or reddish circle that grows bigger over time and become several inches in size. It can develop from 3-30 days after a bite.
Some individuals might have a single circle while others might have several. Most individuals who develop the rash do not feel anything, but others might have a rash that can cause discomfort. The rash typically develops on the neck, head, groin, trunk, thigh and armpits.
Aside from the rash, other symptoms can include the following:
- Chills
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swollen glands usually in the groin or neck
Treatment
Lyme disease is managed using antibiotics that are prescribed by the doctor. The antibiotics are usually taken by mouth but can also be given intravenously in severe cases. Remember that both early and late phases of the disease can be treated using antibiotics.
Preventive measures
- Avoid areas where ticks are likely to thrive such as shaded, damp areas which might be infested by ticks.
- Use a hat to keep ticks away from the scalp and keep long hair pulled back.
- The arms and legs should be covered. The child should wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck his/her pants into the socks.
- Light-colored clothing should be used so that ticks are easier to spot.
- Wear enclosed boots or shoes.
- Apply an insect repellant especially those that contain DEET. Choose those that do not contain no more than 30% DEET. Do not forget to wash it off using water and soap once the child returns indoors. Certain products with permethrin can be used on clothing but should not be applied on the skin.
- Before going indoors, check for any ticks. Take note that ticks often hide behind the ears or along the hairline. In most cases, it takes more than 48 hours for an individual to become infected, thus immediate removal soon after they have attached is effective in minimizing the chances of becoming infected.