Infected deer ticks can transmit the disease when they bite people.
Early treatment is vital to prevent the disease from progressing through later stages.
Learn what to expect during each stage of Lyme disease.
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Diagnosing Lyme disease during stage 1 gives you the best chances of a quicker recovery.
Early localized Lyme disease commonly begins with a rash callederythema migrans.
The rash grows slowly over several days and can be more than 12 inches in diameter.
The rash may be warm to the touch but is not usually painful or itchy.
Some people may develop the classic bulls eye rash, but the rash’s appearance can vary greatly.
Treatment involves 10 to 14 days of oral antibiotics.
It may begin to affect the skin, nervous system, and heart.
Some people may not have anysymptoms, while others may experience severe effects requiring hospitalization.
You may also experience headaches, muscle or joint pain, or extreme fatigue.
It’s the most severe stage and can occur months to years following the initial infection.
Damage to the joints, nerves, and brain is possible if not treated.
Various neurological symptoms can occur depending on the area of the nervous system affected.
Some symptoms may be similar to stage 2 but can be more extensive, severe, or longer-lasting.
The length of therapy can be two to four weeks, depending on the symptoms.
An infected tick usually requires at least 36 hours to transmit the bacteria into your body.
Therefore, it is imperative to check yourself for ticks after being outside.
If you discover a tick attached to your skin, remove the tick using a fine-tipped tweezer.
If preventative antibiotics are not used, you should monitor the bite location for any expanding redness.
While most infected people will experience a rash, not everyone does.
Additionally, the rash may be difficult to see if the bite occurred on the scalp.
Most people will improve slowly, but it can take many months to feel well again.
Lyme disease can be a troubling condition, affecting various parts of the body.
Fortunately, most people can make a full recovery aftercompleting a course of antibiotics.
Lyme disease is a common issue that can be treated when properly diagnosed.
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