This weekend Debbie Gibson bravely shared her latest health news with the world: she has Lyme disease. The admission was brought on by a flurry of posts in the Instagram and Twitter world making negative comments about her super-slim frame; a result we now know is due to her condition. I’m proud of Debbie for coming forward and putting her famous face on a condition that is more common than you may realize.
In the hopes of shedding some light on this timely topic as well as teaching you some essential information about risks, symptoms and treatments I’ve created the essential guide to Lyme disease you didn’t even know you needed, but will be happy you read!
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria found most commonly in deer ticks. When a deer tick bites you it transmits the bacteria via your bloodstream. In most cases, it takes 36-48 hours for a tick to transmit the bacteria causing disease so simply finding a tick on you after a day in the woods is NOT a sure sign that you’ll be infected.
That said those who are infected deal with health issues that if left untreated can lead to chronic joint inflammation, memory problems, heart rhythm irregularities and neurological issues like facial palsy.
Where Can One Catch Lyme Disease & What are the Risk Factors
Ticks that carry Lyme Disease are most common in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. They love to hang out in grassy or wooded areas. If you’re outdoorsy or spend time in these areas in the warmer months you will want to be extra careful when out enjoying the great outdoors. One way to help prevent tick bites is by keeping your skin covered. Ticks attach easily to bare skin so stick to long sleeves and pants when in tick-friendly areas. When you’re back in from outdoor time, do a tick check (or turn it into a romantic activity with a partner). The key to Lyme Disease prevention post-tick bite is early removal so make this a priority when you get home!
Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Just like any health issue I’ve talked about with you in the past, Lyme Disease signs and symptoms are different depending on the person and your body, but early signs and symptoms are as follows:
- A small red bump at the site of the bite that begins to expand into a bulls-eye pattern over the course of a few days. You may find one or several of these rashes on your body.
- Flu-Like Symptoms – Including chills, fever, body aches or a headache
- Joint Pain – Which can also be accompanied by bone swelling.
- Neurological Issues – These issues occur because of inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain and can happen years after your initial infection. They can include numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement.
When to see a doctor
NOT every deer tick bite leads to Lyme Disease! But, if you’ve been in a tick friendly area recently, and been bitten and believe you’re experiencing symptoms contact a physician immediately. Even if you think your symptoms are improving or disappeared, still check with a doctor. A doctor can draw bloodwork and perform tests to confirm or exclude Lyme disease.
If you test positive for Lyme Disease, don’t worry! Since it is a bacteria born illness it is responsive to antibiotics. So, if you feel ill GO TO the doctor. This is yet another reason why seeing your doctor when health issues arise is a good thing. Remember that early detection and early treatment truly does lead to improvement in your health and life!
Wishing you good health.
XO
Dr. V