Lyme disease is a serious disease carried by ticks. This infectious disease is incredibly common in the United States; every year around 300,000 people will be infected with Lyme disease. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help you treat this disease in the most natural way. He services patients in the Carmel, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN areas. Schedule a consultation with Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN to learn more about how Lyme disease can affect you.

What is Lyme disease, and how is it contracted?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease that is caused by species of bacteria. Lyme disease is contracted when an infected tick bites you. The most common species of tick is a black-legged, or a deer tick. This tick bites you, and the bacteria that causes Lyme disease enters the bloodstream. You are most likely to be infected if you spend large amounts of time in grassy or weeded areas. It takes around 36 – 48 hours of the tick being attached to contract Lyme disease. The first symptoms can include many things, like a rash, fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, neck stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress and include more severe symptoms, such as a rash that travels to other areas of your body, severe joint pain, and even neurological problems. If you experience a tick bite and start to notice symptoms, you should see a doctor. You can contact Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN to learn more about how we can help you today.

Is Lyme disease treatable?

If you start to experience symptoms after a tick bite, you should get western blot testing done around six weeks after your bite. If your test comes back positive, Dr. Fetters recommends a combination of antibiotics for at least one month but maybe more as needed. There are two types of antibiotics used to treat this disease.

• Oral antibiotics: This is the standard treatment for Lyme disease still in the early stages. The three oral antibiotics used are doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime. A course of treatment is usually around 14 – 21 days.
• Intravenous antibiotics: This treatment is normally used when the disease involves the nervous system. This method is effective in treating the disease, but you may be recovering for a little more time. Treatment usually involves IV antibiotics for 14 – 28 days. This method can cause some side effects, including a low white blood cell count and diarrhea.

While these treatments are effective, it is easier to use preventive measures than to treat Lyme disease later. You should use insect repellent on your body and clothes when you go into any grassy or wooded areas. Contact our office to receive treatment in the most natural way.

Where can I get Lyme disease testing and treatment in Carmel, IN?

Lyme disease is contracted when an infected tick bites you for long enough that the bacteria gets into your bloodstream. Treatment options include different types of antibiotics, given either orally or intravenously. If you have been bitten by a tick and are experiencing symptoms like those associated with Lyme disease, contact a doctor. Dr. Clifford Fetters can help you understand your diagnosis and help you to learn the best way to treat your disease. He services the Carmel, Indianapolis, and Noblesville, IN areas. Contact Health and Wellness of Carmel in Carmel, IN today, so we can help to diagnose and treat your Lyme disease.