Facts About Lime Disease

Lyme disease can be dangerous if not caught early, and some may not even know that they have it. Those who live around high grass and wooded areas should especially be on the lookout for ticks. The warmer months are prime time for ticks, so it is important to learn how you can prevent getting Lyme disease and what the symptoms are.

Cause

• Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria. Ticks bite and transfer the bacteria, which is found in several types of animals such as deer.

First Sign

• A circular rash is usually the first sign of Lyme disease. It appears as a bullseye pattern on the skin, with an outer layer of red, followed by regular skin color and then a red circle in the center.

Second Sign

• Some people experience flu-like symptoms, which can appear up to several weeks after initially receiving the tick bite.

Location

• Lyme disease has been reported in 48 out of the 50 states and on several other continents.

Treatment

• You should seek treatment as soon as possible if you believe you may have Lyme disease. Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.

Prevention

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, have pants tucked into socks and wear light-colored clothing. It is also important to check every area of your skin and clothing for ticks when coming in from the outdoors.

Pets

• Pets can also contract Lyme disease, so it is important to check them for ticks frequently, especially during the summer months. Avoid taking them in areas where ticks are more common, such as in wooded areas.