Bella Hadid has shared an update on her ongoing battle with Lyme disease, revealing her struggles and offering hope to others who might be facing similar challenges.
The 26-year-old American model, who was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013, has been candid about her journey over the years. Lyme disease, as many may know, is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. Specifically, it's caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is mostly spread through the bites of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.
"This disease usually causes arthritis and a skin rash. The presenting symptoms are fever , headache, bodyache, swelling in the lymph glands, joint swelling, characteristic rash and neurological symptoms", said Dr Shobha Subramanian Itolikar, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund.
What Is Lyme Disease
Lyme disease's symptoms often mimics other illnesses, which makes early diagnosis a bit of a challenge. Some of the usual suspects include fatigue, fever, headache, and that telltale "bull's-eye" rash at the tick bite site. According to Dr Subramanian, some predominant symptoms are:
1)Rash -The rash will resemble a bulls eye lesion and is called Erythema Migrans (main sites are back, groin, armpit and lower limbs)
2)Arthritis- Pain and swelling of large joints especially knee, shoulder, etc. (usually begins months after infections)
3)Neurological feature- peripheral neuropathy presenting as tingling/ numbness/ weakness of hands and feet, facial nerve paralysis (unilateral or bilateral) Meningitis.
As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if left untreated, Lyme disease can take a more serious toll, affecting joints, the heart, and even the nervous system. Bella Hadid herself experienced fatigue, bone pain, and memory issues during her battle with the disease.
It's a tough journey, but as Bella shared on Instagram alongside a picture of her getting treatment, "The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling — it will get better, I promise." She offered words of strength, urging everyone to take a step back, stay strong, have faith, and walk in their truth.
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Diagnosis Of Lyme Disease
When caught early, Lyme disease is usually tackled with antibiotics. For more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics might be on the menu. The important thing is to consult a doctor to ensure a proper diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
Also read: What Is Lyme Disease? Here Are Its Causes, Symptoms, Prevention And Treatment
How To Prevent Lyme Disease
Here are some simple yet smart moves to lower your risk:
Post-Outdoor Checkup: After a day outdoors, give yourself a thorough check for ticks. Don't forget to peek into sneaky hiding spots like underarms, groyne, and the scalp.
Tick Removal: If you find a tick snuggled into your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it as close to your skin's surface as possible. Gently pull upward with a steady hand to safely remove the tick.
By taking sensible precautions, you can significantly cut down your risk of getting bitten by those tiny troublemakers. Remember, enjoying the outdoors doesn't mean you should let your guard down against ticks. If you have even the slightest inkling that you've had a tick encounter and you're showing symptoms, don't hesitate—seek medical advice.
Also read: Lyme Disease Home Remedies: These Simple Tips Can Make Healing A Simple Process
Bella's journey with Lyme disease reminds us of the importance of resilience and hope. She's been open about her challenges, shedding light on the fact that Lyme disease is complex and that recovery isn't always a straight line. So, if you're facing your own health battle, take a page from Bella's book—keep your chin up, believe in your path, and just like she says, the clouds will begin to clear.
