Lyme disease is described as an infection that is transmitted to humans by ticks infected by the causative bacteria. Ticks are miniature-sized, spider-like insects that are found in woody and moor areas.
Take note that Lyme disease can be managed effectively as long as it is detected early. If not treated or delayed, there is a risk that the individual will develop severe and life-long symptoms.
What are the indications of Lyme disease?
Initial symptoms
Many individuals with Lyme disease in the early phase end up with a characteristic circle rash at the site of the bite. It usually develops within 3-30 days after being bitten by a tick.
The rash is called as erythema migrans that is described as a bull’s-eye on a dart board. The affected area of the skin turns red and the borders feel slightly elevated. The size of the rash can vary significantly and might even spread over several days or weeks. In most cases, it is around 15 cm across but can be wider or smaller than this. Some might end up with a number of rashes in different parts of the body.
Nevertheless, not all will develop this rash. Some who have Lyme disease can also end up with flu-like symptoms in the early phases such as muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, fever, chills and neck stiffness.
Late symptoms
The serious symptom can develop several weeks, months or even years after if Lyme disease is not treated or was not detected early. These symptoms include the following:
- Painful and swollen joints
- Heart issues such as inflammation of the heart muscle or the sac that surrounds the heart as well as heart block and heart failure
- Issues with the nervous system such as pain and numbness in the limbs, memory problems, paralysis of the facial muscles and difficulty concentrating
- Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain that triggers stiff neck, severe headaches and increases light sensitivity
Take note that some of these problems get better steadily with treatment but can persist if the treatment is delayed. A few individuals who have the disease end up with life-long symptoms similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia which is called as post-infectious Lyme disease.
When to consult a doctor
Set an appointment with a doctor if any of the described symptoms manifest after being bitten by a tick or suspect to be bitten by one. The individual should inform the doctor if he/she spent time outdoors where ticks might be present.
When diagnosing Lyme disease, it is often difficult since many symptoms are strikingly similar with other conditions. A rash that spreads after a few days after a bite must be managed with proper antibiotics without waiting for the blood test results.
The blood tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis after a few weeks but the result can be negative in the initial phases of the infection. Re-testing is needed if Lyme disease is still suspected after a negative result.