Lyme disease is a dangerous and somewhat less known condition. The disease is spread to humans after a tick bites them. A tick is a tiny arachnid and external parasite that lives off the host's blood. Once the tick bites a human, Lyme disease can be passed to them, but the symptoms may take time to appear.

Most tick bites will usually cause a small red bite or bump around the area bitten, which is normal. Any other symptom is an indication of Lyme disease. Get tested for Lyme disease at AFC Urgent Care Waltham today. Our providers can recommend treatments to help stop the sickness in its tracks and prevent further development.

Early Symptoms

The first symptoms of Lyme disease usually appear within 3 and 30 days after being bitten by the tick. The symptoms that can occur due to Lyme disease include headache, chills, fever, aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash.

The rash associated with the condition is called erythema migrans (EM) and has a unique appearance. The large rash appears at the bite site, can expand to 12 inches, and is often warm to the touch. It can eventually occur as a bullseye with a larger ring outside the center's red bite.

This rash is common in most Lyme disease cases, but its appearance can vary. These symptoms are all signs that treatment is needed.

Late Symptoms

Lyme disease symptoms can continue to worsen, and new symptoms may appear. These can begin as soon as three days but may not appear until months after the bite. These symptoms include numbness and tingling, nerve pain, spinal cord or brain inflammation, dizziness, shortness of breath, arthritis, additional erythema migrans rashes, severe neck stiffness and headaches, heart palpitations, and facial palsy.

These symptoms may begin suddenly and should be treated by a doctor immediately, especially if any of the original symptoms were previously present.

Treatment

Prevention of late symptoms is key with Lyme disease. These symptoms can cause severe damage, affecting the nervous system, heart, joints, and brain. Lyme disease can be treated with various antibiotics once it is diagnosed.

The antibiotics will be taken orally or intravenously, depending on the area affected. It is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible once it is suspected that a patient has been infected with Lyme disease to begin this regime. Permanent damage can be prevented with the efficient and timely use of antibiotics.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham if you believe you or someone you know may have been infected with Lyme disease.