Expert: Carol - 8/13/2009

Question
How long does it take for the rash to go away without treatment.  I had a target "rash" that I thought was a bite several months ago but it went away after about 2 weeks.  I thought nothing of it other than " how strange?" Over the past few months I have had incidences of joint pain in the knees and elbows, headaches ( I never get headaches), fatigue, several floaters in my vision, memory problems, and several others issues on the lists.  All of these have been intermittant and I just blew them of since they didn't stick around for much more than a couple weeks. Just related them to other things. Then the other day I was looking at a web page on bug bites, not intentionally, I just happened to see it and thought, " I wonder if that bite I had several months ago is on this.  Sure enough, there it was.  The bite/rash image for lyme disease.  What a shock!!  I'm a little confused though, does the rash stick around in lyme disease or does it go away even without treatment?  Is it possible I was infected and my rash went away but I am still having symptoms?

Answer
Hi, Carrie...

Yes, the rash can fade even though you are still having symptoms and not receiving treatament.  And, don't be surprised if it reappears.  If it does, be certain to get a picture of it.

If I were you and based on what you just told me, I'd be working on finding a Lyme specialist ASAP.

To find a Lyme specialist, go to www.LymeNet.org and register. Click on Flash Discussion and then on Seeking A Doctor. Post there with your city and state and someone will email you privately with information. There is a policy not to post doctors' names on the site due to privacy issues.  You will see LLMD a lot on the site and that stands for Lyme-literate MD.  They are few and far between so be prepared to travel if you find one.

You can also go to www.lymediseaseassociation.org and click on the doctor referral button to the left. It requires a zip code to generate referrals.

All Lyme specialists are not created equal so I would advise that you try to get feedback on any doctor#s# you choose so you won’t waste precious time and money. As with any  doctors, there are some you’d want to avoid even if it means traveling farther.  Go on www.LymeNet.org and click on Flash Discussion and then General Support. Post something like: “Anyone see Dr. G in Wisc?”   Again, there is a policy not to post drs’ names on the site due to privacy issues and fear of harassment by mainstream medicine for treating Lyme patients. If you post the last initial and location, they’ll know who you’re talking about.

If you or anyone who reads this do not have insurance and/or cannot afford antibiotics,  see www.needymeds.com.  Apply even if you do not think you qualify.

For the entire Lyme and Co-infections Treatment Guidelines, go to http://www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf

Good Luck and let me know if you need anything else.

Carol