Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium B. burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by infected ticks. Early symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue, and a circular skin rash called erythema migrans. Later symptoms can involve the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated.
In the United States alone, there are over 30,000 cases of Lyme disease every year. Still, only one-third receive treatment because it’s often misdiagnosed with other illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
The severity of this disease and the difficulty in diagnosing it are both factors that contribute to the low number of people treated. Lyme disease symptoms vary from person to person and can include fever, headaches, fatigue, and joint pain. However, the most common symptom is a circular skin rash called erythema migrans (EM). This rash often begins at the site of the tick bite but can appear elsewhere on the body.
Read about the common symptoms of Lyme disease so we know what to look for in ourselves or loved ones if they think they might be suffering from this condition.
Bull’s-Eye Rash
This is the most common symptom associated with Lyme disease and is also one of the easiest to recognize. The rash usually appears anywhere from 3 to 30 days after infection, but sometimes it can take up to several months. It usually looks like a red circle surrounding the tick bite site and is about 1 inch across.
The rash is not always present – if a person doesn’t see one, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t infected or that treatment won’t work for them. However, if they notice this particular symptom in themselves or their child (who may be less likely to remember having been bitten by a tick), it’s essential to seek medical attention right away because early detection is critical when treating Lyme disease.
If left untreated, the disease can spread to other body parts and cause serious complications. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent this spread.
