Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, with approximately 476,000 cases diagnosed each year according to the CDC. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick. Early treatment is highly effective — which is why recognizing symptoms quickly is critical.
Early Symptoms (3–30 Days After Bite)
Stage 1 — Early Localized Lyme Disease
- Bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) — a circular, expanding rash at the bite site that may look like a bull's-eye target; appears in 70–80% of cases
- Fatigue and general tiredness
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
The bull's-eye rash is the hallmark sign of Lyme disease. However, it does not always appear — and when it does, it may not look like a classic target. Any expanding rash following a tick bite should be evaluated by a doctor.
Later Symptoms (Days to Months After Bite)
If Lyme disease is not treated in its early stage, the infection can spread and cause more serious symptoms.
Stage 2 — Early Disseminated Lyme Disease
- Multiple bull's-eye rashes at different sites on the body
- Facial palsy (drooping of one or both sides of the face)
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
- Short-term memory problems and difficulty concentrating
Stage 3 — Late Disseminated Lyme Disease
- Severe joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees (Lyme arthritis)
- Neurological problems including brain fog, memory loss, and difficulty with concentration
- Nerve damage causing shooting pains or numbness
- Chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest
You develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms within 30 days of a known or suspected tick bite. Early antibiotic treatment is highly effective and can prevent Lyme disease from progressing to later stages.
How Lyme Disease is Diagnosed
Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, a history of possible tick exposure, and blood tests. The most common tests are the ELISA and Western blot tests. Blood tests may be negative in the very early stages of infection, so clinical judgment by your doctor is important.
How Lyme Disease is Treated
Most cases of Lyme disease are successfully treated with a 2–4 week course of oral antibiotics, typically doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime. When caught early, the vast majority of patients recover fully.
Patients treated in later stages may recover more slowly. Some people experience lingering symptoms after treatment — sometimes called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Ongoing research is investigating this condition.
Prevention is Your Best Defense
The most reliable way to avoid Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites in the first place. Using a quality repellent and carrying a tick removal tool whenever you go outdoors dramatically reduces your risk.
Protect Yourself Before You Go Out
Browse our top-rated natural tick repellents and removal tools — the first line of defense against Lyme disease.
View Repellents View Removal Tools