Lyme Disease Signs Stage 1
Stage 1: Early localized Lyme disease (1 to 4 weeks)
Early localized Lyme disease signs develop days to weeks after you become infected. You may experience:
- An expanding, circular red rash (bulls-eye)
- Flu-like symptoms (with or without the rash)
- Lack of energy/tiredness
- Headache/stiff neck
- Muscle and/or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
*In some cases of Lyme Disease the person doesn’t notice or experience any symptoms during this stage.
Lyme Disease Signs Stage 1: Early Localized
Symptoms of Lyme disease start one to two weeks after the tick bite. One of the earliest signs is a “bulls eye” rash. This is a sign that the bacteria is multiplying in the blood stream causing inflammation. The rash occurs at the site of the tick bite as a central red spot surrounded by a clear ring with an area of redness at the edge. It may be warm to touch, but is not painful and does not itch.
This rash will disappear after about four weeks. The formal name for this rash is erythema migrans. Erythema migrans is said to be the main distinguishing characteristic of Lyme disease. However, many people don’t ever have this symptom. Some people have a rash that is solid red. On people with dark complexions, the rash may resemble a bruise.
*It is important to note the differences in symptoms people may display due to the complexity of the disease and difference in the hosts it affects.