Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease spread through a tick bite. Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria spirochete. The disease is carried by deer ticks and western black-legged ticks (found mostly on the Pacific Coast). These ticks can spread the disease to animals and humans through tick bites. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by an infection from a micro-organism (Borrelia burghdor feri), itself transmitted by a bite from the wood tick, a blood-sucking parasite which normally lives on deer. The wood tick is found in many areas, particularly in forests where deer are common. A tick will settle anywhere on a human body, but prefers warm, moist and dark places like the crotch or armpits. About 60% of light-skinned patients notice a unique enlarging rash, referred to as erythema migrans (EM), days to weeks after the biteLyme disease is usually seen during the late spring, summer, and early fall. Risk factors for Lyme disease include walking in high grasses, taking place in activities that increase tick exposure, and having a pet that may carry ticks home. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that causes signs and symptoms ranging from rash and flu-like fever and body aches to more serious ones including joint swelling, weakness, fatigue and temporary paralysis. Other symptoms of lyme disease include chills, headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. Protective clothing includes long-sleeve shirts and pants that are tucked into socks or boots. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are sometimes prescribed to relieve joint stiffness. Oral doxycycline (eg Vibramycin) (except in children), amoxicillin (eg Amoxil) or cephalosporin antibiotics are the usual first choices. Antibiotics by injection are being given, then benzylpenicillin (eg Crystapen), cefotaxime (Claforan) and ceftriaxone (Rocephin) are the usual choices. An arthrocentesis is a procedure whereby fluid is removed from a joint using a needle and syringe under sterile conditions. When walking or hiking in wooded or grassy areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs, and wear shoes and light-colored, long-sleeved shirts. Ticks show up better on white or light colored-clothing than dark items. Spray your clothes with insect repellant.
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