Lyme Disease Treatments Elkhart IN

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Elkhart, IN

Can Lyme trigger an autoimmune disease?

Indeed, there is growing evidence that Lyme disease and other bacterial infections can trigger autoimmune diseases, especially in patients who are genetically predisposed to them.

What does the beginning of Lyme disease feel like?

Early Lyme disease may feel like the flu: fever, sore muscles, headache and fatigue. Some people may develop a highly distinctive rash, which may look like a bull’s-eye. However, many people with Lyme never knew they were bitten and never developed a rash. The CDC reports that rashes occur in 60-80% of cases.

What diseases mimic Lyme disease?

Called the “great imitator,” Lyme disease can present a variety of symptoms that mimic a wide range of illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, insomnia, and autoimmune disorders such as RA and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

How do you test for 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. To treat Lyme disease, you may need to take antibiotics for up to a month.

Can you test for chronic Lyme disease?

Antibody-based tests (ELISA, IFA, Western blot, Immunoblot): These tests detect antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in the blood or spinal fluid. This is the most commonly ordered set of tests for Lyme disease.

What part of the body does Lyme disease affect?

Lyme disease can affect different body systems, such as the nervous system, joints, skin, and heart. The symptoms of Lyme disease are often described as happening in three stages.

What are the long term effects of Lyme disease?

These longer-lasting symptoms may include: Arthritis that begins with Lyme disease and doesn’t improve. Body aches and pains. Constant or frequent tiredness.

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.

Can you recover from Lyme disease on your own?

It’s certainly possible for people to get Lyme disease and to clear the infection on their own, without treatment, said Dr. Kuritzkes. “But it’s better to be treated because some of the complications—like arthritis and myocarditis and damage to the central nervous system—can be very serious,” Dr. Kuritzkes said.

What is the strongest antibiotic for Lyme disease?

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) Ceftriaxone has excellent penetration of the blood-brain barrier and is one of the most effective drugs for Lyme disease.

What does a lymes rash look like?

The most common early sign of Lyme disease is a skin rash that has a “bull’s eye” appearance. It begins as a reddened area near the tick bite. As the rash increases in size, it clears in the middle and develops a red ring around the outside.