Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease

Written by Mat Lecompte
Published on

dangerous carrier of Lyme disease in glass vial in a doctor's office. Lyme disease label on a test tube in the hands of a laboratory assistant. Diagnosing patients after a tick bite.When you head out this summer, pay attention to some unwanted company: ticks.

Black-legged ticks, or Deer ticks, can transmit Lyme disease, a potentially serious illness.

Ticks hang out in wooded areas and long grass, waiting to catch a ride on your skin. If you pick one up along the way and they bite you, you could be in trouble if you don’t catch it soon.

Some ticks can transmit Lyme disease when they bite. The disease may immediately lead to symptoms like joint stiffness and pain or fever. If it’s ignored, more serious symptoms can appear. These include:

  • Severe headaches or neck stiffness
  • Rashes
  • Arthritis or severe joint swelling, particularly in the knees
  • Loss of muscle tone or “drooping” on one or both sides of the face
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Inflammation in the brain or spinal cord
  • Shooting pains, numbness, tingling in hands or feet
  • Extreme fatigue

Ticks can also hitch a ride on your pets, so be sure to inspect your dogs and cats for ticks when they come back indoors.

If there is a tick on your body or your pet, use tweezers to remove and dispose of it.

To find a tick, you’ll have to look. When you come in from outdoor activities, inspect your body for ticks and bites. Remove ticks that have caught a ride on your body and monitor any symptoms, because time is of the essence for treating tick bites.

The current treatment for Lyme disease is a comprehensive antibiotic protocol that works best when started within 72 hours of a known bite. It works for about 90% of people in curing the disease. Ten percent don’t respond, however, and may develop chronic Lyme disease, which has no cure.

The best treatment for Lyme disease is prevention. Do your best to cover up exposed skin if you’re heading out for a walk in the woods or through tall grass. There are plenty of lightweight options to help you stay cool during the hot summer months.


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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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