Lyme Disease Treatments Hagerstown MD

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Hagerstown, MD

What does Lyme disease do if left untreated?

If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods.

What happens if Lyme disease is not treated?

Lyme disease that goes untreated for many months or years may be harder to treat with antibiotics. Untreated cases can progress to serious, even fatal health conditions, from arthritis and nerve pain to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or Lyme neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and spine).

Can Lyme cause death?

If it lands in the heart, it can cause disturbances in cardiac conduction — arrhythmias or even complete heart block; cardiac Lyme disease can lead to death if not detected and treated early.

How long does it take to recover from Lyme disease?

Lyme disease treatment with antibiotics is successful most of the time, but the disease lingers sometimes. People with early stage Lyme disease may recover in a few weeks with treatment, but recovery time may be as long as six months for late stage Lyme disease.

Can Lyme disease spread from person to person?

There is no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted from person-to-person. For example, a person cannot get infected from touching, kissing, or having sex with a person who has Lyme disease. Untreated Lyme disease during pregnancy can lead to infection of the placenta.

How does your body feel when you have Lyme disease?

Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. These include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis. The appearance of the erythema migrans rash can vary widely. Erythema migrans (EM) rash (see photos):

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.

Is Lyme disease serious?

More serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early. These can include: pain and swelling in the joints. nerve problems – such as numbness or pain in your limbs.

What part of the body is most affected by Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. At first, Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. But if it is not treated early, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Prompt treatment can help you recover quickly.

Can untreated Lyme disease be cured?

Without early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, Lyme disease can cause many serious long-term health complications. But even people with late-stage Lyme disease can recover fully with the right treatment. It may take longer to get back to normal, and you may need several courses of medication.