Charles H. Sloan-Is Lyme disease curable? Here's what you should know about tick bites and symptoms.

The Charles H. Sloansun is shining and the birds are chirping – it is nearly the perfect time of year to hit the trails or set up a campsite. While you’re enjoying the fresh air and cool breeze, it’s important to remember a few things: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and protect yourself from ticks and other insects. 

Ticks can carry Lyme disease. You may become infected with the disease if you are bitten by black-legged ticks. Hallmark symptoms of Lyme disease in the acute stage include a “bullseye” rash, (erythema migrans), fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress to include neurological, heart, and joint problems. 

Lyme disease has become controversial in recent years – not because Lyme disease doesn’t exist (it does), or that it can’t cause long-term issues, (it can) but because predatory actors may promote unproven diagnostic testing or treatments. We help you parse out fact from fiction. 

Why do so many Americans have Lyme disease? 

You are at risk for tick bites when you hike or camp in heavily wooded areas. In the United States, there are cases reported in every state, however, it is most common in midwestern, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. According to the CDC, cases reported outside of these regions are likely due to being infected in another state, and then traveling somewhere else. 

We also love pets. Ticks love to latch onto dogs and cats. You can get Lyme disease if your pet brings ticks inside your home. 

Nervous about a tick bite?Here's what to know about Lyme disease from symptoms to treatment

Is Lyme disease curable? 

Yes. For most people, a course of antibiotics (around 2-4 weeks worth) will wipe out the infection with no long-term damage. 

Can you fully recover from Lyme disease? 

Most people do fully recover. However, long-term damage may occur, especially if treatment is delayed. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some people with Lyme disease may go on to develop post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS), which is characterized by persistent musculoskeletal and nerve pain, fatigue and memory impairment. 

Researchers at Johns Hopkins recently published a review article in Frontiers in Neurology that describes how autonomic nervous system dysfunction may occur in those with PLDS. Some syndromes that fall under autonomic nervous system dysfunction include postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS.) These conditions can cause a wide array of symptoms, ranging from lightheadedness or fainting to severe pain. It’s important to talk to your doctor, so they can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. 

America has a pain problem.How can we find relief?

Who should I trust to help with my symptoms? 

Your primary care doctor or an infectious disease doctor is the most qualified to help if you suspect you may have Lyme disease or have not recovered after having Lyme disease. If you have severe Lyme complications or PLDS, a neurologist, cardiologist, or rheumatologist may be able to help. 

You can protect yourself from ticks altogether by wearing long sleeves and pants, using bug repellent, checking your skin regularly and showering after being outside. By taking these precautions, you can play all day and keep the bugs away!