Lyme disease
Overview
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early.
Symptoms
A circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people. The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks. The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the centre and might gradually spread. It's not usually hot or itchy. The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple when it appears on white skin. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise. Some people also get flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick, such as: a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiveryheadachemuscle and joint paintiredness and loss of energy A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years. These symptoms are often compared tofibromyalgiaandchronic fatigue syndrome. It's not clear why this happens to some people and not others. This means there's also no agreed treatment. Speak to a doctor if your symptoms come back, or do not improve, after treatment with antibiotics. The doctor may be able to offer you further support if needed, such as: referral for acare needs assessmenttelling your employer, school or higher education institution that you need a gradual return to activitiescommunicating with children and families' social care
Causes
Bacteria (Borrelia) from infected tick bite. Ticks found in woodland/long grass.
Treatment
If a GP thinks you might have Lyme disease, they'll prescribe a course of antibiotics. Treatment is more effective if it's started as soon as possible. The antibiotics you're given will depend on your symptoms, but you may need to take them for up to 28 days. It's important to finish the course, even if you start to feel better. If you have severe symptoms you may be referred to a specialist in hospital so antibiotics can be given directly into a vein. Most people with Lyme disease get better after antibiotic treatment. This can take months for some people, but the symptoms should improve over time. If you have symptoms of Lyme disease that last a long time after treatment you may be referred to a specialist in hospital for advice and more blood tests. Some websites offer tests and treatment for Lyme disease that may not be supported by scientific evidence. Speak to a doctor for advice before buying tests or treatment online.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease by avoiding tick bites and removing the tick quickly if you do get bitten. To reduce the chance of being bitten by a tick: cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socksuse insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are beststay on clear paths whenever possiblewear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off
When to see a doctor
See GP if: bullseye rash; flu symptoms after tick bite. Call 111 if severe headache/neck stiffness.