Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick.

The bacteria can also be transmitted to animals such as dogs and horses.

How can it affect you?

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause a range of symptoms that can affect many different parts of the body. Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease in the early stages can include:.

A circular rash that appears at the site of the tick bite, usually within 3-30 days of being bitten
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and fatigue
Muscle and joint pain

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can progress to the later stages of the infection and cause more severe symptoms such as:.

Severe headaches and neck stiffness
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees
Facial palsy
Heart palpitations and dizziness
Nerve pain and shooting pains in the limbs
Short-term memory problems or difficulty concentrating

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult because the symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as the flu. Doctors will often look for a rash, particularly the characteristic circular rash that often appears at the site of a tick bite.

Other tests that may be carried out to diagnose Lyme disease include:.

Blood tests to check for the presence of antibodies to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease
Lumbar puncture to check for infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)

How is it treated?

If Lyme disease is diagnosed early enough, it can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the age of the patient.

If Lyme disease is not diagnosed until later stages, treatment may be more complex and may involve longer courses of antibiotics or different types of antibiotics.

In some cases, symptomatic treatment such as pain relief may be needed to help manage the symptoms of the infection.

Prevention of Lyme Disease

Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to prevent Lyme disease. Some ways to prevent tick bites include:.

Wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck pants into socks
Use insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin
Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas

If you do find a tick on yourself, it is important to remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. To remove a tick, follow these steps:.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin
If the mouth-parts do break off, try to remove them with the tweezers. If you can’t remove them easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal
After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water

Conclusion

Lyme disease is a serious infectious illness that can cause a range of symptoms if left untreated, including joint pain, facial palsy, and nerve pain. It is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

If you spend time outdoors in areas where ticks are common, it is important to take precautions to prevent tick bites and to check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you do develop symptoms of Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate treatment.