What does a tick bite look like in Lyme disease? - briefly
A Lyme infection usually starts with a red, expanding rash called erythema migrans, often appearing as a target‑shaped ("bull's‑eye") lesion. The bite itself is often painless and the tick may not be seen.
What does a tick bite look like in Lyme disease? - in detail
A bite from an infected Ixodes tick typically leaves a small puncture site that may be barely visible. Within 3–30 days after attachment, the most characteristic skin manifestation appears: a red, expanding rash that often begins as a solid macule or papule at the bite location. The lesion commonly reaches 5–70 mm in diameter, exhibits a clear center with a peripheral ring of erythema, and may develop a “bull’s‑eye” pattern when the central area clears while the outer rim remains inflamed. The border is usually well defined but can be irregular; the rash is not painful or itchy, which distinguishes it from many other arthropod reactions.
Additional cutaneous signs may accompany or follow the primary rash:
- Multiple erythematous lesions at distant sites, indicating hematogenous spread.
- Vesicular or urticarial eruptions that appear transiently.
- Facial or palmar/plantar erythema without accompanying swelling.
Systemic clues that often coincide with the skin changes include:
- Flu‑like symptoms: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- Joint discomfort, particularly in large joints such as the knee.
- Neurological signs (e.g., facial palsy) emerging weeks to months later.
The initial puncture marks may heal within a few days, leaving a faint scar or no trace. In some cases, especially on hair‑covered areas, the bite may be unnoticed until the rash manifests. Early recognition of the expanding erythema and its typical size, shape, and timing is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment.