I enjoy outdoor activities and pulled the first tick of 2016
off of myself last week so I guess it is that time of year again. Removing
ticks from myself is a normal part of my warm weather routine.
Lyme disease is a not uncommon concern leading to visits
with us. It is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi acquired through the bite of a deer tick. Although
it has increased in our area in recent years, it is still relatively uncommon.
While it is important to be aware of Lyme disease and evaluate and treat
appropriately, it is also important to remember that the vast majority of tick
bites do not result in any type of illness and that there are many other
illnesses that remain far more common than Lyme disease. Even in areas with high
rates of Lyme disease, the chance of catching it from a confirmed deer tick
bite is 1-3%. So a child’s illness is much more likely to be from something more
mundane.Lyme disease most often presents as a characteristic target-like rash. Less often it can present as a single, swollen, painful joint (usually a knee), or a facial droop, or some combination of these symptoms. In cases when the presentation is clear, we will usually treat without doing any further testing. If the diagnosis is not clear, we will often do a blood test for Lyme disease. When we order the test, the state of Virginia requires us to inform patients that the test is not always accurate. Of course, no test we do gives a correct answer 100% of the time and diagnosing an illness is always based on a combination of history, physical exam findings, and other studies if indicated. As we have all been taught, it is important to treat the patient not the lab result.
Lyme disease is generally easily-treated with a course of oral antibiotics. If it is at a more advanced stage, occasionally a course of IV antibiotics is needed.
So be aware of the signs of Lyme disease and check yourself and your children for ticks after outdoor activities. Get checked if you develop any of the potential signs of Lyme disease. But don’t let concern of Lyme disease prevent you from getting outside and being active!
