Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (also known as a deer tick). According to Public Health Ontario, black-legged ticks feed on and are transported by migratory birds, meaning there is a possibility of encountering an infective black-legged tick almost anywhere in Ontario. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bull's-eye rash, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause more serious symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling, heart palpitations, and neurological problems.

If you have been bitten by a tick

It is important to remove the tick as soon as possible and clean the bite site with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Monitor the bite site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you experience any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash, fever, or joint pain, seek medical attention promptly — your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

In addition to antibiotics, there are also over-the-counter treatments that may help relieve symptoms of tick bites, such as itching and swelling:

• Antihistamines: can help reduce itching and swelling caused by an allergic reaction to the tick bite.
• Topical creams: over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone can help reduce itching and inflammation.
• Pain relievers: over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain or discomfort.

These treatments are not a substitute for medical care and should only be used to relieve mild symptoms. If you have any concerns or develop more severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Lyme disease treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, which should be prescribed by a healthcare provider. The choice of antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's age and health status. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil, with treatment typically lasting 10 to 21 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms such as fever and joint pain, but it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially with underlying health conditions or other medications.

Rest and hydration are important while recovering, and strenuous activity that could aggravate joint pain or cause fatigue should be avoided. In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can help prevent more serious complications, so if you suspect you may have Lyme disease, seek medical attention promptly.

Preventing Lyme disease

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites:

• Avoid tick-infested areas: if possible, avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter, where ticks are more commonly found.
• Wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear light-coloured clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Use insect repellent: an EPA-registered repellent containing at least 20% DEET on exposed skin and clothing, applied per the label instructions.
• Check for ticks: after spending time in tick-infested areas, check your body and clothing, paying attention to areas such as under the arms, behind the ears, and in the hair. Shower within two hours of being outdoors to wash off any unattached ticks.
• Remove ticks properly: if you find a tick on your skin, remove it immediately with tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling it straight up. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin.
• Keep your yard tick-free: remove leaf litter and tall grass, and consider using pesticides or hiring a professional pest control company.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease from tick bites. If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash or flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately — early treatment with antibiotics can prevent the development of more severe symptoms. Not everyone who is bitten by a tick will develop Lyme disease, and prophylaxis is not necessary for all tick bites.

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