Lyme Disease Treatments West Des Moines IA

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in West Des Moines, IA

Can Lyme disease be completely cured?

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 last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called ”Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome” (PTLDS).

Where does Lyme disease come from?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

Can late stage 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.

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.

Can Lyme cause early death?

Can Lyme disease be fatal? Yes – though Lyme disease deaths are rare, they are possible.

How soon do you need antibiotics after a tick bite?

Prophylaxis can be started within 72 hours of tick removal. The patient has no contraindication to doxycycline.

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 Lyme disease be picked up in a blood test?

Blood tests which look for antibodies to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease are the main test. This is known as serology. If antibodies have not developed sufficiently, it is possible for these tests to be negative despite active infection.

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.

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.