infections
Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease has three stages: Early localized Early disseminated (widespread) Late The early and late stages of Lyme disease are usually separated by a period without symptoms. Typically, a large, raised, red spot (erythema migrans) appears at the site of the bite, usually on the thigh, buttock, or trunk or in the armpit. The spot occurs in about 75% of people and typically appears 3 to 32 days after the tick bite. However, because deer tick nymphs are so small, most people do not realize they have been bitten. Usually, the spot slowly expands to a diameter of up to 20 inches (50 centimeters), often clearing in the center. But the appearance can vary. For example, the center may remain red, or several rings may appear around the red center (looking like a bull's eye or target). Although erythema migrans does not itch or hurt, it may be warm to the touch. The spot usually disappears after about 3 to 4 weeks. About 25% of infected people never develop—or at least never notice—the characteristic red spot. Typically in Lyme disease, a red spot (erythema migrans) appears at the site of the tick bite. The spot slowly expands and often clears in the center. Image courtesy of Thomas Habif, MD. Sometimes in Lyme disease, the red spot expands, but the center does not clear. The result is a red spot surrounded by a pale ring. LARRY MULVEHILL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Sometimes in Lyme disease, the rash (erythema migrans) resembles a bull's eye. It consists of a red spot in the center, surrounded by a pale ring, which is surrounded by a red ring. Image courtesy of James Gathany via the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This stage begins when the bacteria spread through the body. This stage can begin days to weeks after the spot first appears. Fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, stiff neck, muscle aches, and painful, swollen joints are common. These symptoms of Lyme disease may last for weeks. In nearly half of people who are not treated, more, usually smaller erythema migrans spots appear on other parts of the body. Less commonly, people have a backache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen. Although most symptoms come and go, feelings of illness and fatigue may last for weeks. These symptoms are often mistaken for influenza or common viral infections, especially if erythema migrans is not present. Sometimes more serious symptoms develop. The nervous system is affected in about 15% of people. Common problems are Acute Bacterial Meningitis (which causes headache and a stiff neck) and These problems may last for months. Nerve pain and weakness may develop in other areas and last longer. Up to 8% of infected people develop heart problems. These problems include Delayed movement of electrical signals through the heart, resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) called Atrioventricular Block None Inflammation of heart tissue ( Myocarditis ) and the sac around the heart ( The arrhythmias may cause palpitations, light-headedness, or fainting. If the initial infection is untreated, other problems often develop months to years later. Arthritis develops in more than half of people, usually within several months. Swelling and pain typically recur in a few large joints, especially the knee, for several years. The knees are commonly more swollen than painful, often hot to the touch, and, rarely, red. Cysts may develop and rupture behind the knees, suddenly increasing the pain. In about 10% of people with arthritis, knee problems last longer than 6 months. A few people develop abnormalities related to brain and nerve malfunction. Mood, speech, memory, and sleep may be affected. Some people have numbness or shooting pains in the back, legs, and arms. 