May is Lyme Disease Awareness month. Spending time in nature is one of life’s greatest joys! The fresh air, the sounds of birds chirping, and the beauty and the smells of nature all contribute to our overall well-being. However, while we enjoy these outdoor activities, it’s essential to be aware of potential health risks, such as Lyme disease. Understanding what Lyme disease is, how it is contracted, and how to prevent it can help ensure our outdoor adventures are safe and enjoyable.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. These ticks are typically found in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. The disease can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. This is why it can be so hard to diagnose and why it is important to be diligent about prevention!

How Do You Get Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is contracted through the bite of an infected tick. The tick must be attached to the skin for at least 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria to the extent that it causes an infection. Ticks are most active during warmer months, but they can be found year-round in many regions of the USA.

Symptoms and How to Spot an Infection

The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary but commonly include:

Early Signs (3-30 days after tick bite):

• Erythema migrans (EM) rash: A red, expanding rash that may appear at the site of the tick bite, often (but not always) resembling a bull’s-eye.
• Fatigue
• Chills and fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Later Signs (days to months after tick bite):

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body
• Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees
• Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
• Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
• Nerve pain
• Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet

Tools to Avoid Getting Tick Bites

Preventing tick bites is crucial to avoiding Lyme disease. Here are some practical tips:

Check Your Pets: Pets can bring ticks into the home. Regularly check your pets and use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products.

Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to reduce skin exposure (even in the summer). Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

Use Tick Repellents: Apply insect repellent with 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing. For a more natural approach, consider essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon. I like to coat my skin with natural repellents like Pest Aside from Earthley Wellness and then use a DEET spray over my clothing and shoes.

Stay on Trails: Avoid walking through tall grasses and bushy areas. Stick to the center of hiking trails.

Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to underarms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, behind knees, between legs, around the waist, and especially in hair. For tiny seed tick (and chigger) removal (assuming they are not yet attached), I keep a lint roller in my car and roll off my skin and clothing to help pickup any tiny critter I might not be able to see. This tip is genius! Baby wipes are also key – briskly wipe off your legs after mountain biking or hiking in the woods.

Shower Soon After Being Outdoors: Showering within two hours of coming indoors can help wash off unattached ticks and make it easier to spot them.

Treatment Options for Lyme Disease

Treatment for Lyme disease varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease.

Immune Support: Supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc can support the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Allopathic (Conventional) Treatment:

Antibiotics: The primary treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil. Early diagnosis and treatment typically result in a full recovery.

Intravenous Antibiotics: In more severe cases, particularly when the disease affects the central nervous system, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Holistic Treatment:

Herbal Therapies: There is some thought that herbal treatments can be just as (if not more) effective as antibiotics. Personally, if I had a suspected case of Lyme (or any other tick borne disease), I would opt for both! The more you can get ahead of it the better. If the tick was attached less than 24 hours: Boost your immune support, use Black Drawing Salve by Earthley Wellness on the bite site, and watch closely for a rash or bullseye. See a Dr. ASAP if a rash or other symptoms develop.

Diet and Nutrition: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as grass feed and pastured meats, wild fish, leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds, can support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Probiotics: Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial, especially when on antibiotics. Probiotics can help replenish beneficial bacteria after a round of antibiotics and can also support your immune function even if just working on prevention.

Detoxification: Supporting the body’s detox pathways through methods such as sauna therapy, Epsom salt baths, and liver-supporting supplements like milk thistle can be beneficial.

Conclusion

While Lyme disease is a serious condition, understanding how to prevent tick bites and recognizing the early symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. By combining conventional medical treatments with holistic approaches, we can effectively manage and support recovery from Lyme disease. Enjoying the outdoors safely is possible with the right precautions and planning!

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This is not medical advice and not intended to treat or cure any disease or affliction. Please consult your medical professional before utilizing the techniques and tools listed above.

References

1. “Lyme Disease.” PubMed, National Center for Biotechnology Information, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.
2. “Lyme Disease Treatment.” Global Lyme Alliance, https://globallymealliance.org/.
3. “Herbal Treatment for Lyme Disease.” Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center, https://www.hopkinslyme.org/.

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