Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infectious illness that can lead to dangerous long-term complications. Learn everything you need to know about its diagnosis and treatment here.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted by ticks and, more rarely, by mosquitoes.
Which ticks transmit Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, also known as hard ticks or deer ticks. These ticks are mainly found in forested areas, dense vegetation, and tall grass, where they wait to attach to mammals, including humans. Transmission occurs when the tick feeds on the host’s blood, typically after being attached for 24 to 48 hours.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
One of the most common early symptoms is a spreading rash at the site of the tick bite, which usually develops within 3 to 30 days after the bite. This is known as “erythema migrans” or a “bull’s-eye” rash. However, not everyone infected will develop this rash.
Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Muscle and joint pain may also occur. Many infections progress without noticeable signs, making diagnosis more challenging.
The bacteria can persist in the body, and months or even years after the bite, late-stage Lyme disease may develop. One of the late manifestations is neuroborreliosis, where the bacteria attack the nervous system, causing severe pain, paralysis, vision and hearing problems, or numbness. Another chronic form is Lyme arthritis, which involves recurrent joint inflammation, often affecting the knees.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of symptoms and, if necessary, confirmed through blood tests.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial and can usually cure the disease completely. However, if left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to chronic health issues.
Does Lyme disease heal on its own?
In many cases, Lyme disease may resolve on its own, without any visible symptoms. The rash at the bite site may expand in a ring shape and disappear after one to two weeks. However, this does not mean the bacteria (Borrelia) have been eliminated from the body. Late-stage Lyme disease can still occur.
At the slightest suspicion, a doctor should be consulted, who will prescribe antibiotics, typically to be taken for at least 14 days. Hoping for spontaneous recovery is not advisable; medical treatment should always be sought.
If you could be affected by Lyme disease, you should consult a dermatologist or other doctor immediately.