Lyme disease, also known as tick disease, is a disease caused by the bite of a tick contaminated with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which results in the appearance of a circular red spot on the skin, which increases over time.
In most cases, the person doesn’t realize that the tick has stung on the skin, and only notices when symptoms begin to appear. As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult an infectious disease specialist or general practitioner so that tests that confirm the infection can be performed so that the most appropriate treatment, which is usually done with the use of antibiotics, can be initiated.
- If treatment is not done correctly.
- Complications.
- Such as arthritis.
- Meningitis or heart problems.
- Can occur.
- Significantly reducing quality of life.
Symptoms of Lyme disease are progressive and the first symptoms, also called initial symptoms, usually appear 3 to 30 days after the bite of the infected tick, the main ones being:
When you have any of these symptoms, including a spot and redness on your skin, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention, or an infectious disease, to confirm the diagnosis and begin antibiotic treatment.
However, if treatment doesn’t start early, symptoms may appear later and are often related to complications, such as:
In the presence of these symptoms, it is recommended to go to the hospital to receive treatment for the disease and to avoid the aggravation of complications that, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
Lyme disease is mainly caused by the bite of ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that feed on human blood, mainly ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus. For these tick species to transmit the disease to humans, it is necessary to remain attached to the person for at least 24 hours.
This bacterium can be present in the blood of various animals, such as deer and rats, and when the tick parasites these animals, it acquires the bacteria and can transmit it to other animals and humans.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which can be present in the blood of various animals such as rats, deer or robins, for example. When a tick bites one of these animals, it is also contaminated with the bacteria and can then transmit it to humans.
Ticks are so small that a person may not know that he has been bitten, so if there is a clue, the best places to look for a tick in the body are: behind the ears, on the scalp, in the navel, in the armpits, in the groin or in the back of the knee, for example. The risk of becoming infected is higher when the tick can remain on the skin for more than 24 hours.
People who work in wooded areas, such as hikers, campers, farmers, forest workers or soldiers, are at increased risk of being bitten by ticks and contracting the disease. See what other diseases can be caused by the tick.
Lyme disease is usually diagnosed by blood tests that can be done 3 to 6 weeks after the tick has bitten the person, which is the time it takes for the infection to develop and appear on tests. Therefore, tests that can be used to detect Lyme disease include:
Lyme disease is confirmed when both tests test positive. In addition, a complete blood count as well as a skin biopsy, known as Warthin Starry, may be requested, which, although nonspecific, may be useful in diagnosing histopathological findings.
Treatment of Lyme disease is done by using antibiotics such as doxycycline, for example, and the sooner treatment begins, the faster the cure, avoiding complications.
Treatment for Lyme disease should always be indicated by the doctor and the infection is usually treated with antibiotics, such as Doxicycline 100 mg, which should be taken twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks or according to medical advice. For children and pregnant women, the use of amoxicillin or azithromycin is indicated during the same period.
Generally, the antibiotic is taken orally, however, in more severe cases, it is necessary to be hospitalized for the drug to be administered directly into the vein and to avoid complications. In addition, breastfeeding women can be treated with antibiotics without the baby being in danger.
In serious situations, Lyme disease can cause arthritis, especially in the knee, causing joint pain and swelling. In such cases, the person may need to perform physical therapy sessions to regain mobility and be able to perform daily activities painlessly. Sessions are performed by physical therapists and include mobility and stretching exercises or the use of equipment depending on the severity of the case.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend using anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to reduce joint inflammation.