On a balmy summer evening, my partner and I had just returned from a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood with our kids. While we chatted with neighbors outside, we sent the little ones inside for some popsicles and to prepare for bed. Our daughter zoomed up the driveway on her scooter, bursting with energy and racing her brother to the freezer—pure summer bliss.
But twenty minutes later, everything changed.
She came downstairs, visibly distressed, with a flushed face and flu-like symptoms. Fear crept in as she complained of pain in a spot on her back and felt unusually warm to the touch. When we checked her back, we discovered a large red circle, and in that moment, we knew. As much as we wanted to tell ourselves it was just a spider or mosquito bite, our medical backgrounds made it clear: our summer was about to be derailed. We administered some Benadryl and hoped for the best overnight.
Unfortunately, our summer was far from normal.
The next morning, our daughter was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and the following months felt like a nightmare. Thankfully, we caught it early, and we were fortunate to have a physician knowledgeable about Lyme in our area. Still, the reality remained: our daughter spent her summer dealing with a relentless illness that turned my joy in the warm months into anxiety. While Lyme disease is generally treatable and has a good prognosis, it is not something to take lightly; it’s a persistent threat. With a rising population of mice, the ticks that carry Lyme bacteria are becoming more prevalent in the U.S.
Caught off guard by our daughter’s diagnosis, I did what any concerned parent would do: I dove into research about Lyme disease and its symptoms.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Here’s what I found out: Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, in the Mid-Atlantic states, and by western blacklegged ticks along the Pacific coast. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes, “Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs.” These nymphs are tiny—less than 2 mm—so most people don’t even notice when they’ve been bitten, which was the case with our daughter. Larger ticks are easier to spot, but they also have less time to latch on and infect humans.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe a medication based on your health history, with common options being amoxicillin or doxycycline. The characteristic rash associated with Lyme isn’t raised or itchy; it may even feel warm. Unlike itchy insect bites, the erythema migrans rash, often referred to as the “bullseye” rash, appears when the bacteria burrows under the skin. It’s worth noting that not all Lyme cases showcase the classic bullseye.
Fortunately, when caught early, Lyme is manageable, and your child can recover completely. As news spread about our daughter’s condition, many people shared their own Lyme stories with us. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to reassure other parents dealing with Lyme treatment: yes, it’s serious, but kids can and do fully recover.
Preventing Lyme Disease
While Lyme disease can’t be completely avoided, here are some tips to keep those pesky ticks at bay:
- Use bug spray with 20% DEET. I know, I know—no one wants to slather their kids in chemicals. But let’s be real: DEET repels ticks and is a much better option than weeks of antibiotics to treat Lyme.
- Check your kids from head to toe after outdoor play. Don’t forget those sneaky hiding spots like behind the ears and knees. Remember, nymph ticks are tiny and tricky to spot.
- If you find a tick, stay calm. Reach out to your doctor for guidance on removal and treatment options. (And yes, it’s okay to take a shot of vodka before you grab the tweezers—no judgment here!)
- Keep an eye on your kids’ skin. If you notice any unusual marks, have them checked immediately. Early treatment is key to a full recovery.
Our experience with Lyme changed our lives—not from lingering health issues (thank goodness), but from a newfound vigilance when exploring the great outdoors. We now never venture into wooded areas without bug spray, and we conduct thorough tick checks upon returning home. Watching my daughter frolic in the grass, sunbeams dancing on her face, I know Lyme disease is always lurking. But if it strikes again, I’ll be prepared.
For more insights into parenting and health, check out our other blog posts on home insemination kits, or visit Make A Mom for expert advice. And for comprehensive information on reproductive health, the CDC is an excellent resource.
Summary
Lyme disease is on the rise, and parents need to be vigilant. It is primarily transmitted by tiny blacklegged ticks and can lead to serious health issues if not caught early. With proper precautions, such as using DEET bug spray and checking for ticks, families can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing risks.