Lyme Disease from Ticks

(DR. Weil)

If you enjoy hiking, camping or simply spending time outdoors in wooded areas, you should be aware of Lyme disease, an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorfer, a bacterium that is often found in deer ticks.

Since deer ticks tend to be prevalent in woodlands, you should wear protective clothing such as light colored, long-sleeved shirts, and tuck your pants into your socks when hiking in these areas. Always perform a "tick check" and immediately wash your body after spending time in the woods or tall grass. In addition, keep an eye out for anything unusual on your skin, especially a rash in concentric rings, like a bull's-eye.

If you have any symptoms such as rashes, fever or joint pain, consult a doctor who is knowledgeable about diagnosing and treating Lyme disease - the typical treatment is with antibiotics. Left untreated, about two-thirds of people with Lyme disease develop recurring bouts of arthritis, sometimes years after the infection.