Lyme diseaseis abacterial infectiontypically caused byBorrelia burgdorferi.
It is spread through the bite of an infected tick.
A Lyme disease rash generally occurs within a week of the infection.
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Blood tests are used to confirm Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics.
Some people may also describe the appearance of the rash as a target.
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Erythema migransrash can appear on any part of the body.
It will:
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Lyme Disease Rash Variations
Lyme disease rashes do not always follow a specific pattern or appearance.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick.
It isnot spread from person to personthrough kissing, touching, or sex.
A pregnant person withuntreated Lyme diseasecan spread the infection to the placenta.
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It is rare, but the infection can be spread from the pregnant person to the fetus.
Below are rashes that are similar to Lyme disease rashes.
Ringworm
Ringwormis a fungal infection on the skin that causes a rash.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
The rash appears red and circular with scaly, bumpy edges.
It feels itchy, burns, or can sting.
It can occur almost anywhere but is more commonly seen on the head, groin, and feet.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNet NZ and Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Hives
Hives, also known asurticaria, are raised red, itchy bumps.
They blanch or turn white when pressed.
Hives can appear almost anywhere on the body with hives in different shapes and distribution.
This can be difficult to differentiate from erythema migrans, except that it will not turn into a bullseye.
It needs to be treated with an antibiotic.
If you have beendiagnosedand treated for the infection but still have symptoms, continued care may be needed.
Summary
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by ticks.
In most people, it causes a red rash that can develop into a bullseye appearance.
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lyme disease rashes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Signs of Lyme disease that appear on your skin.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How lyme disease spreads.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Hives.
2024 Jul 20;16(7):e64987.
