Lyme Disease Rash

Lyme Disease Rash

Lyme disease is actually an infection caused by black legged tick bites. Black legged ticks are usually infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. During their nymphal stage, these ticks may attach to the human skin to feed on their blood. Through their saliva, these ticks transfer the infectious bacteria, causing an infection that usually develops symptoms over a period of weeks. Similar to other forms of insect bites, a characteristically ‘bull’s-eye’ rash may appear on the affected area. To dark skinned patients, the rash acquires a bruise-like appearance. While most of the disease’s symptoms also occur to other autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, the occurrence of this distinct rash is helpful in the early diagnosis of the disease.

Lyme disease rash is medically termed as erythema migrans. It usually develops as the body’s response to the attack of the Borrellia spirochetes transmitted through tick bites. Aside from its characteristically ‘bull’s-eye’ appearance, one thing unique about lime disease rash is the manner in which it expands. Weeks after the tick bite, the affected area develops a distinct rash pattern of circular lesions with an unraised red spot at the center. It gradually expands in an annular manner for up to 12 inches in diameter. Unlike common rashes, Lyme disease rash is rarely painful or itchy but is warm to touch. Also, the rash is only localized on the affected area or commonly exposed skin areas.

Lyme disease rashes are atypical in form. This means that they appear in a unique pattern. It usually starts from a two-inch fiery red rash with an eroded center. It can get necrotic, crusty or oozy. This rash is more than just a simple skin discoloration. In some cases, the red rash may resemble a recent bruise. The number of the rash depends on the patient’s contracted tick bite. It may start from the size of a quarter and enlarge or even cause disseminated skin problems such as lymphocytoma (benign nodule or tumor) or acrodermatitis chronic atrophicans (discoloration and degeneration of the hands or feet).

The rash usually appears during the early phase of the disease. It may occur along with other symptoms, which include muscle or joint pain, headache, fever, stiff neck, sore throat and swollen nodes or glands. It may go with flu-like symptoms, which often gives an impression of common infection. Among the known symptoms of Lyme disease, it is its characteristically unique rash that is consistent or unique. While most patients develop this symptom, others do not, which only make the case more difficult to diagnose.

Usually, Lyme disease rash resolves even without treatment. It can stay for weeks or months after the tick bite. In truth, the rash is the safest of all Lyme disease symptoms. Once the infection progress, the rash may clear as the symptoms worsen. The infection of Lyme disease can spread throughout the body and affect the functions of other body systems. It is known to cause nervous system, heart and joint condition, which pose serious health risks. Hence, immediately spotting Lyme disease rash will guide the doctor in making accurate diagnosis of the disease. It will also give the patient enough time to seek treatment.