Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with the disease. Because ticks tend to live in forests, wooded areas and tall grasses, it is more common to contract Lyme disease if you spend time in these kinds of natural environments. It’s really important to know the symptoms of Lyme disease.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and although they tend to appear in progressive stages, those stages can overlap, which can cause confusion and delay seeking medical advice. In addition, some symptoms can occur some time (within a month) after the original bite, which itself can just look and feel similar to a mosquito bite. Because the bite itself doesn’t indicate Lyme disease, you need to keep an eye out for symptoms that develop 3 – 30 days later:
- You might notice a rash that spreads slowly across. It doesn’t usually itch or hurt but the skin can feel warm to the touch. This rash, known as erythema migrans, is the most typical sign of Lyme disease but not everyone shows this symptom.
- You might develop symptoms such as chills, aches and pains, headaches, swollen nodes, fever and fatigue along with the rash.
What happens if Lyme disease is untreated?
After these early signs, further symptoms might begin to appear in the coming weeks and beyond. These symptoms include:
- Further rashes as described above
- Severe joint pain, especially of the knees, but this can move from one joint to another
- Neurological issues, which can develop up to years after the original infection, such as meningitis and Bell’s palsy and limb weakness.
What to do if you’ve been bitten?
Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease. The longer a tick remains on your skin, the higher the risk of Lyme disease. Contact your doctor right away if you think you have Lyme disease as early intervention is always more effective. You should contact a doctor even if your symptoms resolve – this doesn’t mean the disease itself is gone.
