You and your family have had a picture perfect day hiking and picnicking in the woods. That is until you got home, showered, and saw the tick that had its head happily buried into your body.

Ticks manage to bring instant panic. First, no one wants a tick burrowed into their body. Second, all kinds of dire warnings flash through your mind about these disease carrying ticks and long-term illnesses like Lyme disease.

After the tick is removed and you are no longer panicking, you worry. What if? Was that the kind of tick that carries Lyme disease? Will I get sick? How will I know if I have Lyme disease?

Put your mind at ease and read over this list. It will help you know the symptoms of Lyme disease and what steps you need to take. Keep in mind that symptoms of Lyme disease vary from one person to another.

Rash

If you have been bitten by a tick that carries Lyme disease, you will notice a small red bump anywhere from a few days after the bite to a month later. The bump may be warm to the touch and slightly sore.

Watch this bump. If it grows to a small rash that resembles a bulls-eye you need to go to the doctor. The rash will have a red ring with a clear area and then a bump in the center and can be anywhere from the size of your fingertip to 12 inches.

Seventy to 80% of all people who get Lyme disease will have this rash. If you happen to be allergic to ticks, you may develop a red area and some swelling but it won’t look like a bulls-eye.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Along with the rash, you may begin to feel like you have the flu. You will have fever, chills, and body aches along with excess tiredness and headaches.

Joint Pain

Lyme disease left untreated will cause joint pain. These bouts can be severe and can happen several weeks to even months after you’ve been bitten. The knee joint is the most often affected joint and the pain can switch from knee to knee.

Neurological Problems

Like the joint pain, if left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious neurological problems weeks, months, even years after the tick bite. Some of these neurological problems could be:

Temporary paralysis of one side of the face

Inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain

Numbness or weakness in your arms and legs

Impaired muscle movement

Memory loss

Concentration difficulties

Change in sleep habits

Your best bet in protecting yourself against Lyme disease is to take the necessary precautions before venturing outdoors with the proper clothing and insect repellent.

Remember to always check for ticks after you spend time outside during warm months of the year. If you have a tick bite, watch it closely for these signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. If you suspect you may have Lyme disease, visit your doctor immediately for antibiotic treatment.

Javier Hernandez

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