Lyme is an illness caused by the bite of ticks containing Borrelia bacteria. It is one of the most common diseases in the United States, primarily affecting individuals who spend time in areas with grassy and woody vegetation. Rashes are a common sign of a tick bite.
Within 3 to 10 weeks of the tick bite, you can notice the symptoms. Symptoms of Lyme disease have different stages, but many times they overlap and cannot be differentiated. Stage 1 symptoms are bull’s-eye rashes, fever, headaches, and tiredness.
In stage 2, one can get multiple rashes with body pain and numbness associated with weakness. Some may feel numbness and swelling in the eyelids and eyes.
Joint pains or knee pain and serious tissue damage occur when you reach stage 3.
H2: Myths and stigma about Lyme disease
There are many myths about Lyme disease. This blog by a Lyme doctor in Seattle breaks such myths.
H3: 1 Lyme is not treatable
Absolutely a wrong fact. Lyme is treatable with antibiotics. No other treatments have shown any improvements. In any case, a 28-day course is not enough; another course is recommended, which can help cure your disease.
H3: 2 Serologic tests is completely useless
Negative serologic test often creates a myth that this test does not show accurate results. But recent studies have shown confirmed results about Lyme.
H3: 3 No visible rashes mean no Lyme
Rashes are one of the many symptoms of Lyme disease. Hence, the absence of rashes does not mean that you may not have Lyme. Look for other symptoms; if they persist, it can be Lyme.
H3: 4 Tick’s bite is not the only way to get infected by Lyme
Lyme disease is known to occurs from a Tick bite. The saliva of the tick contains an agent that can numb the area, and you may not always feel the bite. Doctors advise taking Serologic if symptoms persist for a designated period.
H3: 5 Lyme disease is common
Absolutely not, it is completely a myth. Lyme-infected patients are below 1% even in epidemic areas. It is always best advice to take up the test to detect Lyme disease, as its symptoms are common with many other health problems.
H3: 6 Lyme is limited to a few areas in the United States
Though this is prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast United States, it is not confirmed that you will not get ticks from other regions. In fact, it is reported in all the states of the United States of America.
H2: Wrapping Up
What you may know about Lyme may be wrong. Misconceptions about Lyme disease can cause a barrier in treatment procedures. Therefore, you must know about it properly before concluding anything. It is better to consult with a Lyme doctor in Seattle for a quick diagnosis and treatment. Be aware of the situation and don’t ignore any symptoms. Take up treatment and medications as advised to cure Lyme disease.
