Lyme Disease
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which is transferred to humans via a tick bite. Lyme disease can affect any part of your body; however, it usually affects the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart.1Symptoms of lyme disease can come on slowly, but may persist for up to several years in some cases.
Lyme disease was first recognised as a disease in Lyme, Connecticut USA in 1975 and is now considered the most common tick bite illness in the US and Europe.
Is Lyme disease in Australia?
Lyme disease has not been found in Australian ticks, nor has the bacteria that causes Lyme disease been found in Australian ticks or animals. However, it can be acquired overseas and those infected may first notice Lyme disease symptoms once they return to Australia.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease can be different for everyone and may vary in severity. Lyme disease is usually divided into three stages, with some of the symptoms overlapping. Some people may not exhibit any early symptoms but then present with symptoms typical of late-stage disease. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include:
a flat, circular rash that resembles a bull’s-eye
joint pain and swelling
fatigue
aching muscles
headache and fever
swollen lymph nodes
trouble concentrating
disturbed sleep
What are the stages of Lyme disease?
There are typically three stages of Lyme disease symptoms, which also depend on the severity of the infection. They are:
Stage one
Stage two
Stage three
Stage one
Stage one (usually 3 – 33 days after a tick bite)
flu-like symptoms with a low-grade fever, fatigue, chills, and joint pain are likely
a red spot or rash will appear one to two weeks after the initial tick bite and expand gradually
there might also be a blue to red patch that appears on your earlobe, nipple, or scrotum, although this is most typical on children.
Stage two
Stage two (days to weeks after a tick bite)
continued flu-like symptoms
increased pain and swelling of the joints, with the knee the most common
abnormal heart rate
one-sided paralysis of the face (most common in children)
fever, severe headaches, and neck stiffness
inflammation of nerves and brain tissue
Stage three
Stage three (months to years after the bite)
chronic severe joint pain and swelling in one or more large joints, usually the knee
disorientation, confusion, dizziness, short-term memory problems and lack of concentration
shooting pain or numbness which extends to arms and hands, and legs and feet
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of Lyme disease is essential for effective treatment. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of the tell-tale round, red rash along with evidence of a tick bite or you having been in an area where Lyme disease is widespread.
If early symptoms are undetected or ignored, it may be necessary to undergo blood tests when further symptoms develop to diagnose the disease.
What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
Most Lyme disease infections can be treated with antibiotics if caught within the first few weeks after the initial tick bite. If Lyme disease has been discovered in its late stages, treatment will usually involve IV antibiotics (given to you directly through a vein), which may be as long as two to three weeks.
Treatment for chronic Lyme disease (symptoms that last more than 6 months) will focus on treating symptoms as there is little evidence that antibiotics will help, and they may do more harm than good.
Even if antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease is successful, it can take weeks or months for all symptoms to disappear. While you recover you should:
eat a healthy diet, avoiding foods high in sugar
get plenty of rest
reduce stress
use pain relief medication as prescribed by your doctor, if necessary
What are the complications of Lyme disease?
If left untreated, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and lead to infections in and around the brain, or the heart. Lyme disease can also cause joint inflammation and pain, along with long-term neurological problems.
Around 10% - 20% of people will continue to experience symptoms even after antibiotic treatment. This is referred to as post-Lyme disease syndrome, and it may affect your mobility and cognitive skills. Most people will recover, but it may take months or even years.
How can you prevent Lyme disease?
The most effective way to prevent Lyme disease is by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when walking in grassy areas or on hikes. Using insect repellent containing DEET can also help repel ticks.
After being outdoors, always check your body for ticks, and remove them as quickly as possible, remembering to check everywhere including:
head and scalp
hairline
behind the ears
between fingers and toes
back of neck
How should I remove ticks
If you are not allergic to them, you should kill the tick with a tick spray that will kill the tick by freezing it. Ensure you follow the directions on the product
Do not remove the tick with tweezers or twist or move it as this can cause the body to dislodge from the head or mouth parts, which will remain in the skin. If the tick doesn’t drop off after spraying it twice, see a health professional to have it removed.
Do not use methylated spirits, kerosene, petroleum jelly, nail polish, oil, alcohol or a lighted match to remove a tick as these may cause the tick to burrow deeper into your skin.
If you are allergic to ticks, ask your health professional about the best way to remove a tick and whether you need to see a doctor every time you get a tick bite. If you are having your first allergic reaction to a tick bite, go to the hospital emergency or call an ambulance (000). Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) include skin reactions such as swelling and difficulty breathing15
When to see your doctor?
If you have been bitten by a tick or are concerned you are experiencing tick bite or Lyme disease symptoms (especially after returning from overseas), see your doctor or health practitioner for further diagnostic tests and treatment.
Unfortunately, there is no reliable test to determine if someone is allergic to ticks. Diagnosis of an allergy is made based on the reaction to the tick bite.
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Our friendly pharmacists can also provide advice on products to either repel ticks or assist with any tick bite symptoms. Alternatively, they may refer you to your doctor for further treatment.
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