Health

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infection passed to humans by a bite from a tick infected with an organism called Borrelia burgdoferi.

Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures that live in long grass and woodland in the Southern UK, Scotland and Europe as well as North America. Tick bites only cause Lyme disease if the tick has itself been infected and only a minority of ticks in the UK are infected. Public Health England estimates that there are 2,000–3,000 new confi rmed cases of Lyme disease each year in England and Wales, with 15% of cases contracted outside the UK. Tick activity increases in spring and peaks between April and June, reducing over the summer months. However, it can increase again in early autumn, and continues at low levels throughout the winter. Typically, people infected with Lyme disease develop a rash (erythema migrans), usually within four weeks, but sometimes as long as 12 weeks after a tick bite. Not everyone develops this rash (up to 30% do not). The most typical rash resembles a bulls eye on a darts board with a red centre and then a circle of redness around the centre gradually spreading outward. Rashes may also appear on other parts of the body, away from the original bite. If Lyme disease is not treated at this early state, after a few weeks or months, a proportion of people can go on to develop a Stage 2 (‘early disseminated’) condition, with symptoms that vary but can include a chronic form of erythema migrans, carditis heart problems such as myocarditis (infl ammation of the heart muscle), pericarditis (infl ammation of the heart sac), paralysis of facial nerves, a form of meningitis, or nerve pain. Some people can develop a late form of the disease (Stage 3 or ‘late disseminated’) with pain and swelling in a joint (an arthritis), nerve problems – such as pain or numbness or paralysis of the limbs - or trouble with memory or concentration or a form of meningitis. Some people may go on to get a persistent fatigue called a post infectious or chronic fatigue. To avoid getting Lyme disease, try to avoid tick bites by: • covering your skin while walking outdoors - tuck trousers into socks • use insect repellent on clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best • stick to paths whenever possible • wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off • Check for ticks after a walk especially in skin creases If you fi nd a tick latched onto the skin you should remove them safely: • Use fi ne-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. • Grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it. • Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. • You do not need to do anything else unless you go on to develop a rash or fl u like symptoms and in this case, you should contact your GP telling them that you have had a tick bite. The treatment for Lyme Disease, if it is diagnosed in the early stages, is a course of antibiotics and does not usually need a blood test, although if there is some doubt, your GP may take one to help with diagnosis. Two tests are taken and may need to be repeated if negative in the early stages. Those who develop the later stage symptoms will usually be referred to a consultant for blood tests and diagnosis. n

References

www.cks.nice.org.uk/lyme-disease www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk www.nhsinform.scot www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease

Dr Annabelle Mascott is a doctor at

Woolwell Medical Centre

Support in unfamiliar times

The use of pure essential oils, herbs, resins and plants have been used by humans for their medicinal and therapeutic properties for over 5,000 years. We continue to use them today with mindfulness and intent to complement and support health and wellbeing.

Essential oils with antiviral qualities

Eucalyptus – has a powerful anti viral action and can provide extra support for our whole body against disease and viruses. It has a strengthening action upon the immune system and has been useful during epidemics. Use in low concentration as it can be a skin irritant and it is not compatible with homeopathic treatments. Always dilute before use, see notes on safety. Tea tree or Ti Tree – Active against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a powerful imuno-stimulant that can increase the activity of the body’s immune system to respond to threat. Helpful for glandular fever and people prone to infection or slow to recover from illness, helpful for ME. Ti tree is one of two essential oils that can be used neat on the hands, the other being Lavender. It is generally a safe oil but can irritate the skin in some cases. Lavender – A good all round oil where the whole body can benefi t. Properties include anti-infl ammatory, anti-viral, balancing, relaxing, helpful for colds and fl u , headaches , migraines and anxiety. Lavender is soothing to the central nervous system and can promote sleep, add one to four drops on your pillow depending on your own personal preference. Ravensara – An excellent anti-viral oil that can help stimulate our immune system. It may be useful against fl u like virus infections, good for all respiratory tract infections and can help to loosen mucus. It can help to relax muscles and soothe joint and muscular pains; it can be physically and mentally stimulating . Always dilute before use, see notes on safety.

Essential oils to support the immune system

Bergamot - An uplifting sunny oil helpful for depression, anxiety, stress, colds and sore throats. Bergamot is also found in Earl grey tea. It is a useful anti viral oil that support the immune system. A valuable one to have for sure, but do not sun bathe with it on as it can cause your skin to burn. Always dilute before use see notes on safety. Manuka – has many qualities including anti-viral and anti-fungal. It can be used for colds, is helpful for muscular pain and can be used as an alternative to tea tree. You could try adding two to four drops to a glass of water to use as a gargle for sore throats, however, do not ingest/swallow essential oils. Always dilute before use see notes on safety. Other essential oils that can support the immune system and our immune response include Lavender, Eucalyptus, Ravensara and Tea/Ti tree. These oils also have anti viral properties and are discussed above.

A note on safety

Essential oils are generally safe and easy to use and enjoy at home. However, ensure that any oil you buy is labelled pure essential oil. They are for external use only and must be diluted before being applied to the skin, they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, epileptic or have allergies or are in any doubt seek advice from a suitably qualifi ed person or midwife before use. Follow the advice on the bottle and keep out of reach of children. n Anna Georghiou MA, MAR, FHT Disclaimer: The information provided is for personal information and interest only. It is not intended to offer professional medical advice or treatment for any condition. Information is shared on the basis that there are no known contra-indications to treatment. I accept no liability for misuse of essential oils.