Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by ticks. It is characterized by rashes on the body and may also present with symptoms like facial paralysis, high fever, heart problems, and vision difficulties. The diagnosis is often made with blood tests, while antibiotics can be preferred for treatment. The disease can start with simple complaints in the early stages but may cause damage to the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease develops when the bacterium causing the infection, Borrelia burgdorferi, enters the human body. This bacterium is carried by hard ticks like Ixodes ricinus. The bacterium can be transmitted to humans when a tick attaches to the skin to feed on blood.
The typical finding of the disease is the ring-shaped rash that appears days after a tick bite. However, skin rashes may not be observed in every patient. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and fatigue can occur. If not recognized in the early stage, Lyme disease can lead to chronic health issues lasting months and years.
What Causes Lyme Disease?
The primary cause of Lyme disease is the transmission of the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi to the human body. This bacterium is carried by ticks and transmitted to humans during a tick bite. However, not only the presence of ticks but also environmental conditions and personal precautions play a decisive role in the emergence of the disease.
The main causes of Lyme disease are:
- Tick Bite
A common cause of the disease is being bitten by a tick carrying the bacterium. The bacterium is transferred to the skin while the tick is feeding on blood. An unnoticed tick remaining on the body for a long time increases the likelihood of transmission.
- Pet Carriage of Ticks into the Home
Dogs and cats can carry ticks into the home while playing outside. Failure to regularly check pets for ticks can lead to Lyme disease being brought into the home environment. Therefore, regular maintenance of pets' fur and skin and adherence to veterinary-recommended protective applications are essential.
- Inappropriate Clothing Choice and Lack of Protection
Wearing short clothing while spending time in nature makes it easier for ticks to reach the skin. Choosing light-colored clothes makes it easier to spot ticks, while long-sleeved clothing and closed shoes significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.
- Extended Stay of the Tick on the Body
The longer a tick remains attached to the skin, the higher the risk of contracting Lyme disease. Therefore, the body should always be checked after returning home, ticks should be removed using appropriate methods, and a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
What Are the Stages of Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease progresses in three stages. Symptoms that appear in each stage differ and the severity increases if the disease is not treated.
Early Localized Stage (1–4 Weeks)
This is the initial stage of the disease. It occurs shortly after a tick bite. Flu-like symptoms may appear during this period:
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Fatigue, mild fever, headache
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Ring-shaped redness on the skin, particularly around the bite area (erythema migrans)
If diagnosed in this stage, the disease can be easily controlled with antibiotic treatment.
Early Disseminated Stage (Weeks – Months)
In this stage, the bacterium spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream. By now, not only the skin but also the heart, joints, and nervous system start being affected.
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Severe joint pain and swelling
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Palpitations, heart rhythm disturbances
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Facial palsy, dizziness, and numbness
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Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms may vary from patient to patient. If not treated in this stage, the disease may progress to a more serious condition.
Late Disseminated Stage (Months – Years)
In untreated cases, the disease becomes chronic and can lead to permanent health issues.
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Chronic joint inflammation (knee joints)
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Nervous system disorders (numbness, balance loss, memory problems)
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Persistent fatigue and sleep problems
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In rare cases, permanent heart rhythm problems
In this stage, treatment takes longer, and it may not always be possible to fully resolve complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Lyme?
While the early symptoms of Lyme disease are flu-like, in advanced stages it can have systemic effects. Careful evaluation of symptoms during diagnosis and treatment is essential. Symptoms during the course of the disease can affect various parts of the body; the skin, joints, and heart are particularly among the most affected structures.
Symptoms of Lyme disease:
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Ring-shaped rashes
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Fatigue
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Fever
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Joint and muscle pain
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Stiffness in the neck area
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Swelling of lymph nodes
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Facial paralysis
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Heart problems
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Numbness sensation
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Memory problems
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Sleep issues
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
The most important clues for diagnosis are the patient's history and physical examination. Particularly being in nature, a history of tick bites, and typical skin lesions guide the diagnosis.
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Clinical Findings: Rashes and flu-like symptoms are indicative for diagnosis.
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Laboratory Tests: Antibodies against the bacterium can be detected with ELISA and Western Blot tests.
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Imaging and Advanced Tests: Used especially if there is suspicion of heart and nervous system involvement.
It should be noted that tests might be negative in the early stage during the diagnosis process. Therefore, doctor evaluation is essential.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?
The most important point in the treatment of Lyme disease is early diagnosis. When the disease is detected in the first stage, the treatment process is much easier and more successful. In cases that are detected late, the duration of treatment may extend, and preventing complications may become difficult.
1. Antibiotic Treatment
The primary treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics. The physician determines different types of antibiotics and duration of use according to the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient.
2. Supportive Treatments for Symptoms
In addition to antibiotic treatment, additional treatments can be applied to alleviate certain complaints:
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Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate joint pain
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Special treatment protocols if there are neurological findings
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Regular cardiological follow-up in patients with heart involvement
3. Late Stage Lyme Disease Treatment
If the disease is detected in the late stage, treatment may take longer. Chronic joint inflammations or nervous system problems may not fully resolve, but symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatment.
What to Do if Bitten by a Tick?
After a tick bite, it should be carefully removed with tweezers or a special device. The bitten area should be washed with soapy water and cleaned with an antiseptic solution. If redness, itching, or signs of infection are observed, a healthcare facility must be consulted.
Considerations if bitten by a tick:
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Remain calm when the tick is detected, do not intervene with sudden movements.
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Do not touch the tick with bare hands.
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Do not pour chemical substances such as alcohol, cologne, cigarette, soap, oil, etc. on it.
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Do not crush or burn the tick.
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Use special medical tweezers to remove the tick.
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Hold the tick from the closest point to the skin without pressing and pull it slowly.
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After removal, wash the bite area with soapy water and apply antiseptic.
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Even if the tick is removed, a specialist should be consulted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Lyme disease transmitted?
Lyme disease is not transmitted from person to person; it is only transmitted by the bite of ticks carrying the bacterium. The risk may increase after activities such as nature walks, picnics, or time spent in agricultural areas.
Can Lyme disease be seen in children?
Yes, children can also get Lyme disease. Regular tick checks are important for children who play in open areas.
What should be done if bitten by a tick?
Do not remove the tick with bare hands, do not crush it, and do not pour chemicals on it. After removing it with an appropriate device, clean the area and see a doctor for a check-up.
How is Lyme disease treated?
The most important method of treatment is the use of antibiotics, and it is highly effective when started in the early stage. In the late stage, the treatment duration is longer, and sometimes permanent problems in the nervous system or joints may remain.