Lyme Disease Treatments South Portland ME

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in South Portland, ME

When should you get tested for Lyme disease?

You may need a test if you have symptoms of infection and were exposed or possibly exposed to ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The first symptoms of Lyme disease usually show up between 3 and 30 days after the tick bite.

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.

Can doxycycline cure late stage Lyme disease?

Although early-stage LD can be successfully treated with doxycycline or amoxicillin, late-stage LD with arthritis and neurological symptoms can be refractory to antibiotic treatment.

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.

What is late stage Lyme disease?

Stage 3, or late persistent Lyme disease, can develop months or years after infection. If the disease hasn’t been promptly or effectively treated, you may have damage to the joints, nerves, and brain. It is the last and often the most serious stage of the disease.

What does Stage 2 Lyme disease look like?

Symptoms of early disseminated Lyme disease (Stage 2) may occur weeks to months after the tick bite, and may include: Numbness or pain in the distribution of a nerve. Paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the face, especially a facial nerve palsy. Meningitis, characterized by severe headache, stiff neck, fever.

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 are the 3 stages of Lyme disease?

Stage 1 is called early localized Lyme disease. The bacteria have not yet spread throughout the body. Stage 2 is called early disseminated Lyme disease. The bacteria have begun to spread throughout the body. Stage 3 is called late disseminated Lyme disease.

How do you know if you have chronic Lyme disease?

Chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing Borrelia burgdorferi infection that can involve any body system or tissue. The infection produces a wide range of symptoms and signs, which can be debilitating for some patients. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, migratory musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and impaired memory.

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.

Should I be worried if I have Lyme disease?

Untreated, Lyme disease can spread through the body, affecting the heart, joints and nervous system. As a bacterial infection, Lyme disease is frequently treated with antibiotic medication such as doxycycline or amoxicillin.