Lyme disease is an illness that is transmitted to humans and other mammals from the deer tick. If Lyme disease is treated promptly with antibiotics, the patient usually recovers completely. In some cases, however, the disease and its symptoms can become a chronic health problem.
Rash
When the tick bites, you may notice a small bump in the area. As days go by, the bump will become reddened, and the red area will spread into a larger circle. In 70 to 80 percent of cases, according to the Mayo Clinic, the rash will take on the appearance of a bull's-eye: a red spot, surrounded by a white ring and then a large red ring on the outside. This rash, which may be itchy or painful, is considered a classic sign of Lyme disease.
Flu-Like Symptoms
According to FamilyDoctor.org, other early stage symptoms of Lyme disease often mimic the flu. These may include headaches, fever, chills, tiredness and body aches. If you have these symptoms along with a rash, contact your doctor. Even if the symptoms disappear on their own, you could still have Lyme disease.
Joint Pain
As the disease progresses, you may experience joint pain. Lyme disease can cause one joint to become painful and swollen, or it may affect several joints. The knee is commonly affected, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This swelling and pain may take place up to several months after the rash and flu-like symptoms have cleared up, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Neurological Problems
Occasionally, Lyme disease can affect the nervous system. Symptoms of this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, include meningitis; Bell's palsy, which is the temporary drooping and paralysis of one side of the face; limb numbness, and mental disturbances, such as memory loss, changes in mood and changes in sleep patterns.
Heart Problems
Rarely, Lyme disease can affect the heart. FamilyDoctor.org states that the symptoms of heart problems caused by Lyme disease are a slow or irregular heartbeat. The Mayo Clinic states that this condition is rarely permanent and usually lasts only a few days, or at most, a few weeks.
