Tick Bites

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a deer tick bite. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are found on warm-blooded mammals such as deer, dogs, cats, raccoons and can be found and transmitted on humans. Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear as early as a week to a month after the initial tick bite.

The cause of Lyme disease is found in the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorfer (B. Burgdorfer) carried by infected deer ticks. An infected deer tick must have 36 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria from the initial bite. Other diseases caused by ticks include rickettsia and other serious diseases.

Symptoms include

• Bull’s eye rash where a red circular patch is found with a ring around the tick bite (occurs in most patients but now always)
  • A rash can appear from a couple of days to a month after the initial tick bite
  • No pain but can be warm to the touch
  • Slowly enlarges over time and can spread
• Fatigue, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and chills can occur as well

However, if later symptoms can develop if an individual is not tested soon such as:

• Bell’s palsy (temporary paralysis of one side of the face)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s protective membrane)
• Joint pains
• Rashes can develop on different areas of the body

If an individual is still not tested for Lyme disease, severe symptoms can occur such as:

• Cardiovascular problems such as irregular heartbeats
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Cognitive problems such as short-term memory loss

Risk factors for Lyme disease include time spent in wooded areas, improper removal of ticks and exposed skin in wooded areas.

Complications can be developed if not detected and treated early such as chronic joint pains, neurological disorders, and Lyme carditis (tissues of the heart becomes inflamed).

At Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D. has over 30 years of properly detecting, diagnosing and treating patients with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is taken seriously here at Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. Lyme disease is dangerous. This tick bite can be detrimental and severely impact the individual’s quality of life. Dr. Harold F. Faber, M.D. is current on all the latest medical treatments giving patients relief from their developing symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing possible symptoms of Lyme disease, do not wait. Call Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery for your scheduled appointment with Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D.