SIGNS
& SYMPTOMS The
first sign of Lyme disease is often a rash. Though
it can take on many different appearances, the rash
usually resembles a bulls-eye and is warm to the
touch. This rash, called erythema migrans (EM),
occurs in 75% of those infected with Lyme disease.
The
EM "bulls-eye" rash appears 3 to 30 days
after getting the tick bite, and often is accompanied
by fever, joint aches, and other flu-like symptoms.
Within
days of infection, the bacteria can spread throughout
the blood stream often causing rashes at other sites
(see last picture below of multiple rashes on a woman's
legs). Often this spread of Lyme causes high fever,
headache, chills, muscle aches, joint aches, and profound
fatigue. All these symptoms usually go away in several
weeks, even without treatment.
Other
common appearances of the "bulls-eye" rash of
Lyme Disease.
Unfortunately,
if your Lyme disease isn't treated, it can come back
anywhere from weeks to months later. Secondary
and tertiary Lyme disease (as this recurrent Lyme
is called) is much more serious as the bacteria can
infect your many body systems, including heart, nerves,
and joints. Symptoms include cardiac problems such
as inflammation of the heart (carditis), neurologic
problems such as bell's palsy or meningitis, and musculoskeletal
problems such as painful swelling of the joints (arthritis).
Many other symptoms and signs have been attributed
to Lyme disease.
The
first sign of Lyme disease is often a rash. Though
it can take on many different appearances, the rash
usually resembles a bulls-eye and is warm to the
touch. This rash, called erythema migrans (EM),
occurs in 75% of those infected with Lyme disease.
The
EM "bulls-eye" rash appears 3 to 30 days
after getting the tick bite, and often is accompanied
by fever, joint aches, and other flu-like symptoms.
