Lyme disease is not uncommon in wooded and grassy areas. Unfortunately, the carriers of this disease, ticks, can be incredibly hard to spot and avoid. In today’s article, we will go over the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, what causes Lyme disease, and how you can prevent Lyme disease.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease Understanding the early and developed signs of Lyme disease can help you recognize the disease so you can get the treatment that you need. It typically starts with a small, red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. You can often find this at the site of a tick bite or tick removal. This small, red bump doesn’t necessarily indicate Lyme disease, but if you notice these signs and symptoms within a month, you should seek professional help: ● Rash - This can appear from three to 30 days after an infected tick bite ● Fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, and neck stiffness ● Erythema migraines ● Joint pain ● Neurological problems such as inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain, temporary paralysis of one side, and numbness or weakness There are less common signs and symptoms such as heart problems, eye inflammation, liver inflammation, and severe fatigue.
What Can Cause Lyme Disease? Understanding what can cause Lyme disease can help you avoid Lyme disease, protecting yourself. In the United States, Lyme disease can be caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii, found in black-legged or deer ticks. These ticks are often no bigger than a poppy seed, making them next to impossible to spot with the naked eye. In order to contract Lyme disease, an infected deer tick must bite you. The bacteria will then enter the skin through the bite and eventually make their way into the bloodstream. In order to transmit the disease, a deer tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours. If you find a tick that looks swollen, chances are it had enough time to transmit bacteria.
How Can You Prevent Lyme Disease No one wants to contract Lyme disease. Therefore, you should know how to properly prevent Lyme disease. The best way to do this is by avoiding areas where deer ticks live, especially wooded and bushy areas with long grass. Unfortunately, this can be impossible for some. Here are some of the other ways you can prevent Lyme disease: ● Cover up ● Be liberal with your use of insect repellents ● Tick-proof your yard ● Check your clothing and your pets for ticks ● Don’t assume you’re immune