Tick invasions may be coming due to the mild winter.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection spread by infected ticks, which live in the digestive tract.
It enters the body when the tick sucks blood. This means that it is never the tick itself that causes the disease, but the various bacteria and viruses it carries.
Because the tick bite is made painless by a kind of anaesthetic used during the bite, many people do not even notice until the disease has developed. The wound has already healed, so the cause of the symptoms is often not even obvious.
Statistics show that around 40% of Lyme patients have not noticed a previous bite.
Infection cannot occur immediately after a tick bite, but can occur at least one day after the bite. Disease may not necessarily occur in this case either, often the immune system fights off the infection.
However, with proper precautions and knowledge of the symptoms, more serious complications can be prevented.
The most common symptoms of Lyme disease
Migratory erythema (erythema migrans): this is the most common symptom, but not always present. The erythema appears as a red patch which after days or weeks becomes ring-shaped and the centre clears up. The redness is usually painless, non-itchy and not warm to the touch.
Fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue: these symptoms may be similar to flu or other viral infections. Many people do not suspect Lyme disease infection for this reason.
Neck stiffness, throbbing headache: these symptoms indicate that the infection has spread to the nervous system.
Heart problems: in rare cases, Lyme disease can cause myocarditis or arrhythmia.
Nervous system symptoms: in the late stages of infection, numbness, tingling, weakness, facial paralysis, cognitive impairment may occur.
The stages of Lyme disease
Stage 1 – infection
The first sign is usually a reddening of the skin at the bite site, which can spread and often has a target or cocoon-shaped rash. However, it is important to know that not all early cases will develop a rash. And their appearance can vary greatly depending on age and skin colour. Other symptoms may be flu-like: fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain.
In the early stages Lyme disease is well treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can develop severe, chronic symptoms.
Stage 2 – weeks to months after the sting
The bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause multiple reddenings all over the body. Neurological symptoms may appear: facial paralysis, symptoms of meningitis, tingling or numbness in the limbs.
Stage 3 – months to years after the sting
Chronic arthritis occurs, mainly in the knee. Heart problems and arrhythmias appear. Severe neurological symptoms appear: memory problems, concentration difficulties, neuropathic pain.
Prevention
There are several precautions you can take to prevent tick bites, here are some effective methods:
– Dressing appropriately
Wearing closed clothing: Wear a long-sleeved top and long trousers tucked into socks or shoes.
Light-coloured clothes: Light-coloured clothes make it easier to spot ticks before they get on your skin.
– Use of tick repellents
DEET-containing products: use tick repellents containing 20-30% DEET on skin and clothing.
Permethrin: Treat clothing and footwear with permethrin, which is effective in keeping ticks away. It is important not to use permethrin directly on the skin.
– Monitoring the environment
Keeping the garden tidy: Cut tall grass and scrub, keep the garden tidy and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat.
When picnicking: sit on a light-coloured blanket and check your clothing and skin regularly.
Thorough check: After every outdoor activity, thoroughly check your body and children’s bodies, especially at the hairline (hair, ears, knees, elbows, waist, armpits).
Checking pets: check pets too, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors and have access to the home
If the trouble has already happened
Removing the tick is an important step and it is worth using the right method to minimise the risk of infection. Here are some steps to follow:
The most suitable tool for removing ticks is a tick spoon or tick clip available in pharmacies. These help to grip the tick right at the front, close to the head, and then remove it.
It is important not to squeeze the potroh, as the oxygen-deprived bloodsucker can release more toxins and viruses into the human bloodstream.
Be sure to disinfect the bite site after removing the tick. Note the date of the bite and monitor the whole body for spots for 5-6 weeks.
If you experience any suspicious symptoms, see a doctor immediately!
