Lyme disease is caused by a tick bite where the tick is infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. If you neglect these initial symptoms, a tick bite can lead to Lyme disease, tick disease number one.

Visible signs

The red ring around the bite indicates that an infection has occurred. This ring disappears on its own after three months, but the tick may have left the bacterium in the body. Such a red spot is also known as erythema migrans and is the only characteristic symptom of Lyme disease.

Tangible symptoms

Tangible symptoms include experiencing headaches, fever, a stiff neck, or muscle pain. In a later stage, the disease can manifest through nerve pain or meningitis. A chronic form of Lyme disease is characterized by inflammation and discoloration of the arms or legs and/or chronic joint inflammation (usually in the knee). Heart problems or nervous system issues can also arise. The time that elapses between infection and the first symptoms (the so-called incubation period) varies from several months to years.

There are people who get infected by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium without becoming ill. The Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium primarily causes complaints in the nervous system, joints, or heart. If the disease is not detected, neurological, joint, skin, or heart problems can occur. Nervous system complaints are the most common, such as paralysis of the facial muscles or pain and weakness in an arm or leg. Heart rhythm disturbances or skin conditions also occur.

Lyme Disease Symptoms

Visible signs

Tangible symptoms