Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness and inflammatory disease that spreads through tick bites. Deer ticks house the spirochete bacterium (Borellia burgdorferi) in their stomachs. When one of these ticks bites the human skin, it may pass the bacteria into the body. These ticks tend to be attracted to creases in the body, so Lyme disease most often appears in armpits, the nape of the neck or the back of knees. Lyme disease cases have been reported from every state, although it is more commonly seen in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Pacific Coast. Lyme disease has also been reported in European and Asian countries. Our dermatologists help with Lyme disease by identifying and treating the distinctive rash caused by the tick bites. At Pinnacle, our skin experts monitor the rash's progress and ensure an effective treatment plan is in place to help you manage Lyme disease's skin symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

• In the early stages, flu-like symptoms appear such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.

• One of the hallmark signs of Lyme disease is a circular, red rash resembling a bull's-eye.

• If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms, including joint pain, neurological issues, and cardiac abnormalities.

Causes of Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

• The ticks become infected when they feed on small mammals, such as mice, carrying the bacteria, and subsequently transmit the bacteria to humans.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease

The best form of prevention is to avoid tick bites. Use insect repellent containing DEET. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Tuck the sleeves into gloves and pants into socks to keep your skin covered. After a hike, check the skin and look for any tick bites, especially on children. If you do find a tick, don’t panic. Use tweezers to disengage the tick from the skin. Grab the tick by the head or mouthparts as close as possible to where the bite has entered the skin. Pull firmly and steadily away from the skin until the tick disengages. Clean the bite wound with disinfectant and monitor the bite mark for other symptoms. You can place the tick in a jar or plastic bag and take it to your dermatologist for examination.

Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme disease is diagnosed through a combination of a visual examination and a blood test for Lyme bacteria antibodies. Most cases of Lyme disease are curable using antibiotics, but the longer the delay, the more difficult it is to treat. Your dermatologist may prescribe medications to help alleviate joint stiffening.  If you suspect a tick bite, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to determine your next steps for treatment.