Even if you don’t have the Lyme disease rash, you may still have Lyme disease
The Lyme disease rash is a telltale sign of the illness. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we emphasize the fact that 20-30% of people with Lyme disease develop the Lyme disease rash. It’s important that you understand this fact so that you can look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have Lyme disease.
What is the Lyme disease rash?
The characteristic Lyme disease rash occurs in 20-30% of people with the disease. Typically, the rash appears about a week after a tick bites you, but it may appear anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite occurs. The rash begins at the site of the bite and gradually expands. You may notice a warm sensation, but won’t feel pain or itching. If you are one of the people who does not have a Lyme disease rash, you need to learn about the other symptoms.
Early signs and symptoms occur in the first 30 days after the tick bite
During the first three to 30 days after a tick bites you, you may not develop a rash, but you may experience the following symptoms of Lyme disease.
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Aching muscles and joints
- Swollen lymph nodes
Later signs and symptoms can occur months after a tick bite
The early signs of Lyme disease mimic so many other conditions that you may dismiss the symptoms, especially if you haven’t developed a Lyme disease rash. If you aren’t diagnosed and treated in the first month after a bite, your symptoms may change and become more severe.
- Stiff neck
- Severe headaches
- Severe swelling and arthritic joint pain, particularly in large joints like the knees
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Drooping or loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of your face
- Tingling, numbness or shooting pains in the hands and feet
- Short-term memory issues
Our practitioners are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease
Even if you don’t have a Lyme disease rash, you need to seek help from an experienced Lyme literate practitioner as soon as you are able if you notice signs and symptoms. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we understand the complexities of Lyme disease. Contact us for an appointment.