With the weather finally warming up and summer in full heat, there are some precautions we have to focus on. Many people are crazy obsessive over sunscreen and others spray themselves with bug spray before heading over for a hike. They are not crazy, but smart because there are a lot of little insects that we don’t know of that can pose health dangers through a simple bite. Besides mosquitoes, there are other little buggers that we have to worry about, such as ticks. The fact is that many people often have Lyme disease and not know it.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by tick bites, which often come from the ticks found on deer. Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, heart, and even the nervous system.
ALSO: Take Action This Summer To Protect Your Skin
How is it Detected?
Many times the tick bite can leave an expanded ring of redness, but this can be confused with a mosquito or spider bite. About 80% of people develop this rash anywhere within 3-30 days. Lyme disease can affect your brain; give you arthritis and even heart problems. Symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, joint paint, and heart palpitations. Neurological symptoms include forgetting things, depression, and anxiety. There is no such thing as common symptoms with Lyme disease because it varies from person to person.
Almost immediately after you notice the ring of redness, you should consult your doctor. If you catch it in time, you can prevent the bacteria from affecting other parts of your body like the heart, joints, and nervous system. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and order tests to make sure there aren’t other problems associated with Lyme disease. Luckily, antibiotics can cure Lyme disease depending the stage it’s in.
How To Prevent Lyme disease?
- Apply bug repellant that contains DEET to exposed skin. If you don’t have any, you can apply lemon or lavender and even perfumes that have these ingredients.
- Wear long-sleeve shirts, socks, and pants that protect your skin when you go hiking.
- If you have long hair, put it up and wear a hat for extra precaution.
- After you come back from your hike, check your clothes to make sure you’re not carrying any ticks.
- Bathe after you come back, just as a precaution to make sure you prevent tick bites from transmitting Lyme disease.