Lyme Disease Symptoms

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in Europe, USA and Australia. People who live or spend time in wooded areas are more vulnerable to this disease. Also, people who have pets that are let out in outdoor areas.

Lyme disease happens in 3 stages, which are early localised, early disseminated, and late disseminated. The symptoms of Lyme you feel will largely depend on that stage the illness is in.

• Stage 1 – Early Localized Lyme Disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease begin 1 to 2 weeks later when the tick bite occurs. The earliest signs could be a “bull’s-eye” rash. This is often a symptom that bacterium is multiplying within the blood. The rash happens in the area where the tick has bitten as a red spot encircled by a transparent spot with another circle of redness covering the transparent circle. It might be warm to touch, however it isn’t painful and won’t cause any itching.

After four weeks, this rash can disappear. The scientific name for this rash is erythroderma migrans. The rash erythroderma migrans is claimed to be the main characteristic of Lyme disease. However, many patients won’t develop this symptom. On the other many patients will develop a rash that's solid red. People with dark complexions might have a rash resembling a bruise or injury.

• Stage 2 – Early Disseminated Lyme Disease

This stage of Lyme disease happens many weeks after the tick bite. Bacterium starts to unfold throughout the body. This stage is mainly identified with flu-like symptoms, such as:

• Fever

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Vision changes

• Enlarged lymph nodes

There is a common feeling in the patient of not being well during this stage. A rash might occur in areas aside from the tick bite. Neurological signs like tingling, numbness and Bell’s palsy might also appear. This stage of Lyme disease might become difficult due to an infectious disease (meningitis) and cardiac issues. The Lyme disease symptoms of stages one and two might overlap.

• Stage 3: Late Disseminated Lyme Disease

Lyme disease of late disseminated happens when the illness isn’t treated in first and second stages. Stage three will occur weeks, months, or years after the individual is bitten by the tick. This stage has symptoms, such as:

• Mental fogginess

• Difficulty in concentration

• Short-term memory loss

• Severe headaches

• Numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

• Problems following conversations

• Disturbances in regular recurrence

• Arthritis of 1 or more joints

• Encephalopathy (brain disorders) involving sleep, mood, and memory

If you think that you’re suffering from Lyme disease then immediately contact a Lyme disease Australia based doctor today.