How fast does lyme disease spread

Use permethrin on materials and DEET on skin. Spray the DEET repellent on exposed skin, including your legs and hands. Avoid your face, but be sure to protect your neck. Then, tuck your pants into your socks.

And, on your hike, remember to avoid areas where those questing ticks may be perched. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Lyme disease is caused by four main species of bacteria. Lyme disease rash Open pop-up dialog box Close. Lyme disease rash People with Lyme disease might get a characteristic bull's-eye rash. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Deer tick Open pop-up dialog box Close. Deer tick The deer tick Ixodes scapularis goes through three life stages. Gregory Poland, M. While you're enjoying a hike, ticks are looking for a ride.

Leave them out to dry, and, then, the next day, wear them. Stay in the middle. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lyme disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Sept. Pitt BS, et al. Identification of a novel pathogenic Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis with unusually high spirochaetaemia: A descriptive study.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Clinical manifestations of Lyme disease in adults. Treatment of Lyme disease in adults.

Ten facts you should know about Lyme disease. Infectious Disease Society of America. Diagnosis of Lyme disease. Lantos PM, et al. Diagnosing Lyme disease is often difficult as many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. There are 2 kinds of blood test use to diagnose Lyme disease. The tests are not always accurate in the early stages of Lyme disease. So you may need tested more than once if you still have symptoms after a negative result.

If you have symptoms of Lyme disease, you'll normally be given antibiotics. If you're prescribed antibiotics, it's important you finish the course even if you're feeling better. This will help ensure all the bacteria are killed. If your symptoms are particularly severe, you may need antibiotic injections intravenous antibiotics. Some of the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and not use sunbeds until after you have finished the treatment.

There's currently no agreement on the best treatment for post-infectious Lyme disease. This is because the underlying cause is not yet clear. Be wary of internet sites offering alternative diagnostic tests and treatments.

These may not be supported by scientific evidence. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent Lyme disease. The best way to prevent it is to adopt easy habits when you're in the countryside or near wildlife. Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Lyme disease. Lyme disease. About Lyme disease Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Lyme disease is usually easier to treat the earlier it's diagnosed. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular rash around the tick bite.

The rash: usually develops around 3 to 30 days after you've been bitten is often described as looking like a bull's-eye on a dart board will be red and the edges may feel slightly raised may get bigger over several days or weeks is typically around 15 cm 6 inches across, but it can be much larger or smaller Some people may develop several rashes in different parts of their body. Around 1 in 3 people with Lyme disease won't develop a rash. Some people with Lyme disease also have flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as: tiredness fatigue muscle pain joint pain headaches a high temperature fever chills neck stiffness.

Conjunctivitis pinkeye or sometimes damage to deep tissue in the eyes. Brief episodes of pain, redness, and swelling in one or more large joints—most often the knee. Joint problems are common. Occasional rapid heartbeats palpitations or, in rare cases, serious heart problems.

Late persistent Lyme disease If Lyme disease isn't promptly or effectively treated, damage to the joints, nerves, and brain may develop months or years after you become infected.

Symptoms at this stage may include: Arthritis that most often affects the knee. A small number of people eventually get chronic Lyme arthritis , which causes recurring episodes of swelling, redness, and fluid buildup in one or more joints that last up to 6 months at a time. Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or back. Feeling very tired. Not being able to control the muscles of the face. Problems with memory, mood, or sleep, and sometimes problems speaking.

Heart problems, which are rare but can occur months to even years after you are bitten by an infected tick. The most serious heart problems—such as inflammation of the structures surrounding the heart pericarditis —usually resolve without any lifelong damage.

Unfortunately, heart problems can be the first sign of Lyme disease in a small number of people who didn't have early symptoms. Related Information Lyme Disease. Credits Current as of: September 23, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. Previous Section: Related Information Top of the page.