What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Lyme disease was first recognized in Lyme, Connecticut, where a breakout of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occurred. Also called Borreliosis, Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which enter the body through a deer tick bite. Lyme disease is transmitted by infected Ixodes species ticks (commonly called black‑legged or deer ticks). Other ticks, such as dog ticks (Dermacentor species), are not known to transmit Lyme disease.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, stages, causes, risk factors, and other relevant information regarding Lyme disease.

What are the Different Stages of Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease progresses through three different stages, and they are mentioned below:

1. Early Localised Lyme Disease: One to four weeks.
2. Early Disseminated Lyme Disease: One to four months.
3. Late Lyme Disease: From four months to years.

What are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

The typical signs and symptoms seen in patients infected with Lyme disease are:

• Stiff neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Body and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• A red rash called erythema migrans may appear at the site of the tick bite and gradually expand.

What are the Causes of Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is primarily caused by the bacterium Borrelia, which is carried by the black-legged deer tick. In Europe, the bacteria are transmitted mainly by Ixodes ricinus, also known as the castor bean or sheep tick.

What are the Risk Factors for Lyme Disease?

There are certain risk factors for you to get Lyme disease, and they include:

• Geographical Location: People living in the Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic States, and southern Canada have higher chances of Lyme disease because of the presence of deer ticks.
• Season: The risk of getting the infection increases in the spring, summer and autumn. However, they can get active at any time, except in winter.
• Habitat: Ticks are primarily seen in shrubby, wooded, or grassy areas and can latch onto your lower leg as you walk through them.

What to do After a Tick Bite?

Follow the steps below after a tick bite to get rid of the tick:

• Catch the head of the tick with the tweezers until it releases its hold on your skin.
• Avoid touching or crushing the tick with your bare hands.
• Wash the area that is bitten by the tick with soap and running water. 
   

Note: Don’t use any kind of chemicals or hot cigarette butts to remove the deer tick.

What are the Complications of Lyme Disease?

The complications of Lyme disease include:

• Body pain and aches
• Constant fatigue
• Memory complaints
• Arthritis that is initiated by Lyme’s disease and does not improve 
   

How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is mainly based on physical examination and a proper assessment of the patient’s medical history. The healthcare provider may ask about your visit to any area that is populated by infected ticks.

However, the final diagnosis is made based on a blood test. Laboratory diagnosis usually follows a two‑tier blood testing approach, with an initial ELISA test followed by a confirmatory Western blot if positive or equivocal.

How is Lyme Disease Treated?

Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin. The duration of treatment mainly depends on the stage of the disease. The earlier it is detected, the sooner the recovery.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease?

The only way to prevent Lyme disease is to stay away from tick bites. They can be avoided if the following tips are kept in mind: 
 

• Tick Repellents: Spray your clothing with a repellent before you step outdoors. However, be careful when using such products on children under 3 years of age.
• Protective Dressing: Wear light-coloured clothes that make it easy to spot the ticks. Avoid wearing open shoes or sandals. Make sure your shirt is tucked into your pants and your pants are tucked into your socks.
• Look out for Ticks: Stand in front of a mirror and take a shower to wash off the ticks. Wash your body thoroughly between the legs, inside the ears, etc., to get rid of them.

The sooner the disease is detected, the better the recovery. Vigilance while outdoors and following the suggested measures after a tick bite can help avoid complications.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Lyme disease symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment may vary from person to person. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or if you suspect exposure to ticks or Lyme disease. 

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