Lyme impacts the skin, from an infected tick bite and throughout the disease process. I know many people who have had concerns from the bullseye and onward. I want to share some ideas about the problems you might encounter and how to help yourself when you have skin issues associated with Lyme disease.
My skin, which has always been very sensitive, suffered under the stress of chronic Lyme. My skincare expanded when I experienced a huge bullseye, breakouts and boils from Lyme, poor circulation and clogged lymph. I know from my healing journey that Lyme impacts the skin. I learned from Ayurveda to examine and care for the skin I look at in the mirror each morning.
Healthy Skin Biome
The skin has an active defensive system. As it holds you together, skin protects you from not you. It does this in cooperation with the probiotic organisms who live on your skin and help your immune system keep your skin healthy and protection strong.
Chronic Illness weakens your immune system and changes the members and numbers of probiotic organisms that live in community all over your body. When population distributions in the biome in your gut or on your skin shifts so does your ability to stay healthy. Lyme impacts the skin from the infection point onward.
Tick Bites Injure The Skin
Most people catch Lyme disease from a tick bite. When a tick bites you, it is seeking blood for a meal. They break through the skin to access your blood. When you find a tick you don’t know if it shared any bad bugs with you. Just like any cut take care for each bite right away. Learn to avoid tick habitat and do regular inspections and safely remove ticks from your family and animals. If you live in a tick-infested area or head out into nature, make tick encounter prevention a priority.
If you find a tick attached first, you remove the tick as soon as possible. Save the tick securely for testing or dispose of properly. Second clean the area with antiseptic alcohol, or tea tree oil to deter infection. The third step is to cover the bite with a bandage, keep it clean and keep an eye on the bite site. Pay attention to how you feel as well. Go to the doctor and get tested if you experience flu-like symptoms or develop a bullseye.
Bullseye
A Bullseye or Erythema migrans is considered a classic symptom of Lyme Disease. It is a localized skin infection caused by borrelia bacteria. Some people say up to 8 out of 10 people who get infected develop this skin infection. Other data reports it is less common than that. I have even heard you might only get one on the second or 3rd infected bite. I know that if you get a bullseye, you need to go to the doctor right away, with no delay, and seek immediate treatment. Understand that no bullseye does not mean any infections. Call your health care team, ask for a test and treatment if you have a concern.
Lyme Impacts The Skin With Rashes, Infections and Boils
Skin irritation and rashes may show up from initial stages onward. You want to manage this skin irritation over the counter anti-inflammatory, herbal creams, oatmeal baths, or other remedies that can help. Itchy skin is a well-documented Lyme symptom, but it also may indicate your liver is a bit overloaded, so make sure you keep your doctor in the loop about intense rashes and itching.
Processing infections and medications can overload your liver, and toxins start to back up. Skin infection and boils form when your lymph gets clogged,. Treat these quickly for best results. I have had people run up to me to show me abscesses and ask, “Is this Lyme disease.” Lyme is a systemic disease and stresses circulation and your immune response, making skin infections more likely.
General Skin Support
When you invest in regular self-care, your skin will reflect the benefits. Whole nutrient-dense foods, restful sleep, and relaxation will bring a healthy glow to your skin. Ayurveda believes in dry brushing and self-massage to move lymph and keep the skin healthy. I make a point to massage part of me everyday and do a full body as often as I can.
Self-care is a pivotal element to drive recovery from chronic Lyme disease. Add a little love for your skin as part of your self-care routine.
The purpose of this article is to share and educate on Lyme disease recovery strategies. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment, or advice. All the material here is for information purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.