Lyme Disease Treatments Charleston SC

Find top doctors who perform Lyme Disease Treatments in Charleston, SC. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Charleston, SC.

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Charleston, SC

Can you get Lyme disease twice?

Yes, you can get Lyme disease twice – or more. This is different from being newly infected by other tick-borne illnesses, such as Ehrlichia or Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, which can present with Lyme-like symptoms but are actually caused by different bacteria than the Lyme disease bacteria.

What does Lyme arthritis feel like?

The joint may feel warm to the touch or cause pain during movement. Joint swelling can come and go or move between joints, and it may be difficult to detect in the shoulder, hip, or jaw. Lyme arthritis typically develops within one to a few months after infection.

What is the latest treatment for Lyme disease?

Researchers found that a neglected antibiotic called hygromycin A selectively kills the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

What is the best treatment for Lyme disease?

For early Lyme disease, a short course of oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, cures the majority of cases. In more complicated cases, Lyme disease can usually be successfully treated with three to four weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Can you get rid of Lyme disease?

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).

Does Lyme arthritis ever go away?

About 60% of people who are infected with Lyme develop arthritis unless they receive antibiotics. In most, Lyme arthritis resolves after 30 days of treatment with an oral antibiotic, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin.

What is the fastest way to cure Lyme disease?

Antibiotic pills The standard treatment for Lyme disease is an antibiotic taken as a pill. The treatment usually lasts 10 to 14 days. Treatment may be longer depending on your symptoms. It’s important to take all pills as directed even if you’re feeling better.

What is the death rate for Lyme disease?

Lyme disease was listed as an underlying or multiple cause of death on 114 death records during 1999–2003. Upon review, only 1 record was consistent with clinical manifestations of Lyme disease. This analysis indicates that Lyme disease is rare as a cause of death in the United States.

Why can’t doctors treat Lyme disease?

Because there are no definitive tests or treatments for this condition, patients who have symptoms can be dismissed by the medical establishment. Many are denied medications such as antibiotics they believe can control the chronic infections they suspect they have.

How many days should you take doxycycline for Lyme disease?

Doxycycline is given for 10 to 21 days, and amoxicillin and cefuroxime are given for 14 to 21 days. Antibiotics prevent worsening of the disease and may decrease the duration and severity of symptoms. (See “Musculoskeletal manifestations of Lyme disease”.)

How does a doctor tell if you have Lyme disease?

A doctor will test your blood for antibodies that are trying to fight the bacteria in your blood. One of these tests is called the ELISA test, and you’ll often have a second test called the Western blot test to confirm you have Lyme disease.

What does Lyme disease do to your organs?

Lyme disease can affect the heart. This can lead to an irregular heart rhythm, which can cause dizziness or heart palpitations. It can also spread to the nervous system, causing facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy) or meningitis. The last stage of Lyme disease happens if the early stages weren’t found or treated.

What kind of doctor tests for Lyme disease?

Rheumatologists are doctors who are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases that can affect joints and muscles, including infections such as Lyme disease. Primary care physicians and infectious disease doctors also diagnose and treat people with Lyme disease.

Does Lyme disease show up in blood work years later?

These antibodies can persist long after the infection is gone. This means that if your blood tests positive, then it will likely continue to test positive for months or even years even though the bacteria are no longer present.