See your doctor immediately if you suspect a tick bite. Early diagnosis is key.
Early Symptoms (Days to Weeks After Bite)
- Characteristic rash: A bullseye rash (erythema migrans) appears at the bite site in about 70-80% of cases. It expands over days, can be warm to the touch, and may be accompanied by itching. Note that not everyone develops this rash. Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and swollen lymph nodes are common. These symptoms can be mild and easily overlooked.
If you experience these early symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention. Don’t wait for the rash to develop or for symptoms to worsen.
Later Symptoms (Weeks to Months After Bite, if Untreated)
Lyme disease left untreated can lead to more serious complications.
Systemic Symptoms
Joint pain (arthritis): Recurring pain and swelling in the joints, often in the knees, is a hallmark of later-stage Lyme disease. Pain may migrate from joint to joint. Neurological symptoms: These can include headaches, stiff neck, facial palsy (Bell’s palsy), numbness, tingling, and problems with concentration and memory. Cardiac abnormalities: Irregular heartbeat or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) are rare but possible complications.
These later symptoms require prompt medical intervention. The longer the infection goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to manage. Remember, timely diagnosis and treatment are vital for a positive outcome.
