what is the best time to test for lyme disease after a tick bite
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. Information technology's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
A circular or oval shape rash effectually a tick bite tin can exist an early on symptom of Lyme disease in some people.
The rash can announced up to 3 months later being bitten by an infected tick, merely usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can concluding for several weeks.
The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the eye and might gradually spread. It'southward non usually hot or itchy.
The rash may be apartment, or slightly raised, and expect pink, cherry, or majestic when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to run across the rash on brown and black peel and it may look like a bruise.
Some people also become flu-similar symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick, such as:
- a loftier temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- headache
- musculus and joint hurting
- tiredness and loss of energy
Other symptoms of Lyme illness
Some people with Lyme affliction develop more severe symptoms months or years later.
This is more than probable if handling is delayed.
These more severe symptoms may include:
- pain and swelling in joints
- nervus problems – such as pain or numbness
- heart problems
- trouble with memory or concentration
The run a risk of getting Lyme disease
Non all ticks in England deport the leaner that causes Lyme disease.
Merely it'due south withal important to be aware of ticks and to safely remove them as soon as possible, simply in case.
Ticks that may cause Lyme affliction are found all over the UK, simply loftier-risk places include grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands.
What are ticks?
Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in forest, areas with long grass, and sometimes in urban parks and gardens. They're constitute all over the UK.
Ticks exercise not jump or fly. They adhere to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them.
In one case a tick bites into the pare, it feeds on blood for a few days before dropping off.
How to spot and remove ticks
Of import
Tick bites are not ever painful. Y'all may not observe a tick unless you lot see it on your skin.
Regularly bank check for ticks on your clothes and skin, and on children and pets later existence outdoors.
To remove a tick safely:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You tin can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
- Grasp the tick equally close to the skin every bit possible.
- Slowly pull upwardly, taking intendance non to squeeze or shell the tick. Dispose of it when you accept removed it.
- Clean the bite with clarified or soap and water.
The take chances of getting ill is depression. Yous practise non need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell.
Non-urgent advice: Encounter a GP if:
- you've been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the by three months where infected ticks could exist
and you accept:
- flu-similar symptoms – such equally feeling hot and shivery, headaches, agonized muscles or feeling ill, or
- a circular or oval shape rash
Tell them if you have recently been in forests or grassy areas.
Data:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP
It'due south nonetheless of import to go help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:
- visit their website
- use the NHS App
- call them
Detect out about using the NHS during COVID-nineteen
What happens at your appointment
The GP will ask about your symptoms and consider any rash or recent tick bites you know nigh.
Lyme disease can exist difficult to diagnose. It has similar symptoms to other conditions and in that location's not always an obvious rash.
ii types of blood test are available to help confirm or rule out Lyme affliction. Simply these tests are non always authentic in the early stages of the disease.
Yous may demand to be retested if you withal have Lyme disease symptoms later a negative issue.
Treatment from a GP
If a GP thinks yous might have Lyme disease, they'll prescribe a course of antibiotics.
The antibiotics you're given will depend on your symptoms, merely yous may need to accept them for upwardly to 28 days. It's important to finish the course, even if y'all beginning to feel improve.
Some people with severe symptoms will be referred to a specialist in hospital so antibiotics can be given directly into a vein.
Nearly people with Lyme disease go better after antibody treatment. This tin can take months for some people, just the symptoms should improve over fourth dimension.
People with symptoms of Lyme disease that last a long time after handling may be referred to a specialist in infirmary for advice and more than blood tests.
Important
Some websites offer tests and handling for Lyme disease that may not be supported past scientific testify.
Speak to a doctor for advice before buying tests or handling online.
How to avert tick bites
To reduce the run a risk of being bitten:
- cover your skin while walking outdoors and constrict your trousers into your socks
- use insect repellent on your wearing apparel and skin – products containing DEET are best
- stay on articulate paths whenever possible
- wear lite-coloured wear and so ticks are easier to see and brush off
Ongoing symptoms of Lyme disease
A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme affliction continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of free energy, that can final for years.
These symptoms are frequently compared to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
It's not clear why this happens to some people and not others. This means there'due south as well no agreed treatment.
Speak to a md if your symptoms come back, or practice non ameliorate, after treatment with antibiotics.
The doctor may be able to offer you further support if needed, such as:
- referral for a care needs assessment
- telling your employer, school or higher instruction institution that you require a gradual return to activities
- communicating with children and families' social care
Folio terminal reviewed: 05 July 2021
Next review due: 05 July 2024
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
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