Erythema chronicum migrans is the starting lesion of Lyme disease, and often appears at the site of the infecting tick bite. It is a red, boosting rash, flat or slightly raised, and may reach from 4 to 20 inches across. It can emerge anywhere from one day to one month after a tick bite.

This rash does not show an allergic reaction to the bite, but rather an actual skin infection with the Lyme bacteria. Lyme disease activates in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Lyme disease has been evaluated to be over 100 per 100,000 people a year. The rash is classically 5 to 6.8 cm in diameter appearing as an annular homogenous erythema (59%), central erythema (30%), central clearing (9%), or central purpura (2%).

Lyme borreliosis occurring in about 90% patients infected with borrelia burgdorferi routed to humans by the bite of tics from the genius Ixodes. It expands over a span of days to weeks in 80-90% of people with lyme disease. The local skin forms an expanding ring of unraised redness. There can be an outer ring of brighter redness and a central area of clearing.

The rash will resolve voluntarily, antibiotics hasten resolution and help prevent progression to lyme disease. Doxycycline is the antibacterial of selections for early lyme disease ,amoxicillin, cefuroxime or azithromycin are alternatives if doxycycline is contra-indicated Intravenous cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, or benzylpenicillin is recommended for lyme disease ,duration of treatment is generally 2-4 weeks.

Erythema Chronicum Migrans - Prevention and Treatment Tips

1. Avoid exposure to tick bites.

2. Doxycycline is the antibacterial of choice for early lyme disease.

3. Lyme requires longer treatment with oral antibacterial drugs such as cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, or benzylpenicillin.

4. Wearing long clothing can cover the skin.

5. Clothing, children and pets should be tested for ticks.