Often it migrates outward from where it begins, taking on rings or redness and looking somewhat like a bull's-eye. The rash does not necessarily occur at the site of the tick bite, he added. Other symptoms may include swelling of the large joints, such as the knees or elbows, something resembling Bell's palsy or other neurological problems where one side of the face will droop, or a severe frontal headache. One of the difficulties in determining whether someone has Lyme disease is that it takes several weeks for the body's immune system to develop detectable antibodies. Even though the person may show symptoms, a blood test may not show the disease.
Prevention includes avoiding known tick-infested areas.
But if that is impossible, Teel said to wear protective, light-colored clothing. Boots should be worn if possible, with the bottom of pant legs taped around the outside of the boots with 2-inch masking tape. The last wrap of the tape may be turned over. The ticks will crawl up the outside of your pants, not the inside. If you war light-colored clothing, it gives you a chance to see them and remove them.