.png)
As soon as the snow melts, the ticks are out, and it's time to start thinking about Lyme and co-infections. Lyme Disease is considered the most common vector-borne disease with infection rates continuing to grow. Questionable diagnostic practices leave many cases misidentified and unreported (it's not known as "the great imitator" for nothing). Lyme Disease is caused by an infection with the spirochete (corkscrew shaped bacteria) borrelia burgdorferi which is most often transmitted by ticks. These parasitic arachnids are also vectors for many other bacteria, parasites, and viruses that are referred to as co-infections. Ixodes scapularis (aka black-legged tick or deer tick) is the most common vector for Lyme but other types of ticks can transmit pathogens such as erlichia, anaplasma, and rickettsia (Rocky Mountain spotted fever). The majority of people with Lyme have at least one co-infection as well.
(credit to the CDC for all the unpleasant tick pictures in this article - https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/gallery/index.html)
Prevention
The first step in preventing Lyme Disease and all its awful friends (bartonella, babesia, mycoplasma, etc.) is avoiding tick (and other insect) bites. Avoiding areas with high tick populations (like wooded areas or areas with brush or tall grass) is great in theory, but for some of us, even our yards are heavily infested, so we must rely on other methods. Wearing light colored clothing can help with spotting ticks and always make sure to check yourself and pets frequently. The longer a tick is attached, the more likely it is to transmit a pathogen.
*This post contains affiliate links. Though I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link on this page, I only recommend products that I use and love*
A good natural bug spray is a must for tick prevention. Herbal Armor makes a continuous spray product that is easy to use and highly effective (for mosquitoes as well). Plant Therapy has an essential oil blend called Nature Shield which contains a blend of bug repelling oils including citronella, geranium, lemongrass, and cedarwood. I use a weed sprayer to cover high traffic areas of my lawn with this oil (mixed with water) or use it like a bug spray in a roll-on. Lastly, Bug Bouncer is a homeopathic from DesBio used internally to help deter bugs. I've found this to be helpful for my dog who can't stand the smell of oils/sprays on him - I put it right in his water so he gets a small dose every time he takes a drink. This product needs to be taken consistently to be effective though.
Detection
Pictured below are three common disease carrying ticks. They can start out incredibly small and then swell up to ten times their original size once fully engorged, but obviously we want to find them before that happens!
If you do find a tick attached, it's imperative to remove it quickly and safely. A tweezers works just fine - simply pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull straight up. Sometimes, despite best efforts, the head of the tick breaks off and remains in the skin. Use the tweezers to remove as much as you can and put some colloidal silver on the spot to help minimize risk of infection. If you prefer, there are special tools created specifically for the purpose of removing ticks.
Identifying the type of tick can be helpful for determining what pathogens you may have been exposed to. The CDC has information on several different types of ticks, where they are found, and what they might transmit here. There are also labs like IGeneX where you can send the tick to have it tested for pathogens.
Early Signs & Symptoms
It is possible to not experience any symptoms at all in the early stages of Lyme, but common symptoms include:
erythema migrans rash
flu-like symptoms
swollen lymph nodes
joint pain
fatigue
headache
stiff neck
(rash I found on my dog after a tick bite)
The erythema migrans rash, though commonly referred to as a "bull's eye" rash, can take on a variety of appearances. It is often solid red and can expand gradually up to 12 inches in diameter or more. It can appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after a bite and does not always occur in the same place as the bite. The rash does not occur in all cases so it cannot be relied on for disease detection.
Early Intervention
As soon as a tick is discovered and removed, steps can be taken to support the immune system in its fight against any potential pathogens you may have been exposed to. It's not necessary or advisable to wait for symptoms to occur to take action.
The very first thing I reach for when I, or a family member, get a tick bite (after removing the tick of course) is ledum. I carry this with me everywhere I go as I have found that the sooner it is taken, the better the results. Ledum palustre is a homeopathic remedy used for puncture wounds of all kinds including insect bites. I use this per the protocol that Joette Calabrese, an experienced homeopath, outlines in her article about Lyme Disease. She recommends taking ledum every three hours to start and tapering down from there. Ledum 200c can be found here. LYM:Combination is a DesBio homeopathic that includes nosodes of borrelia burgdorferi and many co-infections to help signal the immune system to act on those pathogens and Spore Probio is a spore based probiotic for immune support. I have also used herbs like Japanese knotweed, cat's claw, and astragalus. These products have worked wonders on my clients (and my dog) that have needed them!
(Rover is happy, healthy, and free of Lyme related symptoms today!)
Chronic Infection
If Lyme is not identified and addressed early on, symptoms can become chronic and less specific. Chronic symptoms can include:
joint or muscle pain
numbness or tingling
memory or concentration problems
fatigue
mood changes
sleep problems
sensitivities to light and sound
There can be a lot of fear associated with Lyme Disease, and for good reason. Many people suffer greatly from this condition so we want to do all we can to prevent it. But thankfully, even if exposure does occur, symptoms can be resolved and health can be regained with the right support. If chronic infection has set in - seek out a DesBio practitioner for a personalized holistic approach that addresses the root of the issue.
*this content is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment*
Comentarios