Lyme Disease
Symptoms

Lyme Disease Symptoms

The UK’s leading Lyme disease clinic

Medical Emergency

If you experience any of the symptoms below and have recently gone to a region where Lyme disease is present or have been bitten by a tick, you should consult a doctor. If in doubt contact NHS 111.

Medical Emergency

If you experience any of the symptoms below and have recently gone to a region where Lyme disease is present or have been bitten by a tick, you should consult a doctor. If in doubt contact NHS 111.

Lyme Disease Symptoms disease can vary widely depending on the infection’s stage. These symptoms include arthritis, rashes, facial paralysis, and fever.

Early Symptoms and Signs (3 to 30 Days After Tick Bite)

Lyme Disease Symptoms

The appearance of the erythema migrans rash can vary widely.

In the absence of a rash, symptoms such as a fever, chills, headache, weariness, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes may appear.

About 70–80% of infected people develop the erythema migrans (EM) rash (see photographs):

Begins 3 to 30 days after a tick bite at the site of the tick bite (average is about 7 days)
Progressively over several days, growing to a maximum size of 12 inches (30 cm) or more.
Although it may be warm to the touch, it rarely hurts or itches.
Occasionally becomes clearer as it grows, giving the appearance of a target or “bull’s eye”
May show up anywhere on the body.
Isn’t always perceived as a “classic” rash with erythema migrans

Later Symptoms and Signs (days to months after tick bite)

Lyme Disease Symptoms - Swollen Knee

Swollen Knee

Lyme Disease - Fascial Palsy

Facial Palsy

Neck stiffness and severe headaches
Additional EM rashes on different body parts
facial paralysis (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
significant joint pain and swelling due to arthritis, especially in the knees and other major joints.
Tendon, muscle, joint, and bone discomfort that comes and goes
palpitations in the heart or an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
episodes of fainting or breathing difficulties
inflammation of the spinal cord and brain
Nerve pain
Numbness, tingling or shooting sensations in the hands or feet