What is Lyme Disease in Humans | Lyme Disease Symptoms in Humans | Chronic Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is a vector-borne disease, caused by the Borrelia bacterium. It’s also known as Lyme borreliosis and is spread by Black Legged Ticks in humans. Ticks live in a moist and shady area and generally cling to leaves, tall grass, and low shrubs. Around your home, you can find ticks in the garden and lawn.
When ticks bite humans it acts as an external parasite, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The length of an adult tick is around 2-3 mm.
Ticks are everywhere in the outdoors; the black-legged deer ticks are the most dangerous pests. They cause Lyme disease which is the most common tick-borne disease in many states of the United States and in many other contraries.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Humans
Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms; these symptoms can affect many parts of the body. If a tick is attached for a minimum period of 24 hours, then only can spread the Lyme disease bacteria into your body and blood.
Almost 70-80% of people who are bitten by Tick develop a rash and symptoms. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are the following.
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease symptoms appear within 30 days of a tick bite and usually appear between 3-30 days.
- The red rash appears at the site of the tick bite.
- Rash expends after a week which resembles a bull eye (Erythema migrans)
- Initially rash is neither painful nor itchy, it’s rarely tender and painful
- The rash can expand 2-3 cm per day, up to a diameter of 16 cm.
- Fever and headache
- Tiredness and fatigue
Early Disseminated Symptoms
Lyme disease rash starts spreading to another area of the body within a week. Borrelia bacteria spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system which leads to the following symptoms.
- Rashes develop at sites across the body that have no relation to the original tick bite site
- Transient Muscular pain
- Joint Pain
- Neurological symptoms generally appear in 4-6 weeks and are called neuroborreliosis which includes:
- Variable headaches
- Photophobia (Intolerance to bright light)
- Neck rigidity
- Low-grade fever
- Vertigo, dizziness, and ringing in the ears
- Double vision
Late or advanced Symptoms of Lyme Disease
These symptoms develop after months, and inadequately treated patients may develop chronic symptoms.
- Joint pain especially hip and knee joints
- Joint effusion and swelling
- Abnormal sensation, tingling, and numbness
- Insomnia
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
How to diagnose Lyme Disease?
The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on the history of the exposure to ticks. A thorough physical examination and history also help in identifying the rashes and other symptoms of Lyme Disease.
Some blood tests are also helpful in the diagnosis.
How to Reduce the Risk and Exposure to the Ticks?
- Know the area where ticks live and avoid exposure
- Black-legged ticks live on the ground areas that are wooded, these are small in size
- The person may not know if they have been bitten by a tick due to the small size
- Use effective and safe tick repellent (DEET-based repellents) on skin and clothing.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and cover exposed skin
- Remove ticks as soon as you find a tick on your body
What to do if you are exposed to the ticks?
- Just examine the exposed area, the tick should be removed by grasping it with tweezers.
- Pull Tick upwards and do not jerk or twist it.
- Clean the area properly with the help of soap or alcohol.
- Consult with your healthcare provider
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a treatable disease. if it’s diagnosed the treatment is easy and recovery is very fast. Antibiotic treatment works best early in the disease. But if diagnosis and treatment get delayed it can lead to prolonged treatment, prolonged recovery, and complications.
If you have exposure to the area where Lymes live or you have been bitten by Ticks, should consult with your doctor or service provider without delay.
Lyme disease detected later can also be treated with the help of antibiotics and supportive therapy but take longer to go away.
There is currently no vaccine for humans available for Lyme disease. Reducing exposure to ticks is the best prevention against tick-borne or Lyme disease.