Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is commonly transmitted by black-legged ticks. It is recorded that 300,000 Americans contract Lyme disease annually. Especially for those who live in heavily forested areas, ticks are in high abundance and can seriously inflict damage on those who aren’t careful enough. If you’ve shown the signs of Lyme disease and are looking for treatment, a rheumatologist in Massapequa will know exactly how to help you get on the road to recovery.
Symptoms
There are many early signs that Lyme disease can give. If you’re experiencing these early symptoms, it’s important to go to a rheumatologist in Massapequa immediately.
- Stage 1: Early localized disease - a week or two after getting bitten, some people may get a “bulls-eye rash,” or erythema migraines, that will appear at the site of the bite. This rash shows that bacteria is beginning to multiply in the bloodstream. Others may get a rash that’s deep red, while some rashes appear to resemble bruises.
- Stage 2: Early disseminated Lyme disease - several weeks after getting the disease, bacteria from the tick bite begins to spread throughout the infected person’s body. Some of these signs include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Aches (muscle)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stage 3: Late disseminated Lyme disease - this stage occurs long-after stages one and two. This stage is defined as having extreme signs and can be life-threatening if not treated:
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Numbness in the body
- Brain disorder involving memory, sleep and overall mood
- Arthritis in joints
- Severe headaches
Prevention
Along with going to a rheumatologist in Massapequa, taking simple steps to avoiding Lyme disease can be the difference when it comes to securing your health:
- Change your outfit - if you live in an area with a high-abundance of ticks, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants is essential, especially if you’re in environments with tall grass or if you’re in the woods.
- Repellant - using bug repellant can be the answer if you’re looking to not get bitten by a tick. If you use repellant with a DEET of 10, it’s enough to work for two hours. However, be careful not to use too much and make sure to keep repellant out of the reach of children.
- Clear space - if you’re backyard or work space has a lot of high grass and wooded areas, the probability of lurking ticks will be much higher. Taking time to clear prone areas will ensure that you won’t be a victim of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a serious condition that shouldn’t be ignored if you’re experiencing symptoms. If you’re feeling the signs of Lyme disease, a rheumatologist in Massapequa will be able to assess your current state and get you on a plan to recover. At New York Integrated Rheumatology, we are dedicated to proper and diagnosis and treatment of any diseases you’re suffering from.
For more information on what we can do to help you, contact us today!
