The symptoms of Lyme disease, which is caused by a tick bite from a deer tick carrying the bacteria, can easily be overlooked or mistaken for something else. The telltale round red rash at the site of the bite often appears where you might not notice – groin, waistline, behind the knee, under the arm. Associated symptoms such as headache, body ache, neck pain, or fever may be attributed to other diseases.

“Lyme disease is the great masquerader because it looks like so many other things,” explains Joseph Gugliotta, MD, infectious disease specialist. “Only one third of people remember the bite, especially if they don’t get that sick.”

Recognized and treated promptly, Lyme disease responds well to a round of antibiotics such as doxycycline. Untreated cases present more danger.

“If it’s not treated promptly,” Dr. Gugliotta says, “you run the risk of the disease progressing to a later stage such as Lyme arthritis or cardiac involvement.” Cases of Lyme disease are seen in our area usually from early spring to late fall, but can occur year round, according to Dr. Gugliotta.

If you suspect Lyme disease, Dr. Gugliotta advises:

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gugliotta, call 908-788-6474