Identifying Lyme Disease Rash From Pictures

Lyme disease often is known for its classic bullseye rash but symptoms can appear in multiple ways. Identifying Lyme disease with pictures can help you to understand these different types of rashes.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection typically caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It is spread through the bite of an infected tick. A Lyme disease rash generally occurs within a week of the infection. Blood tests are used to confirm Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Bullseye Rash

Lyme disease can appear in a variety of ways but a bullseye rash is a classic symptom. Some people may also describe the appearance of the rash as a target.

The middle of the rash will be a reddened circle shape, then a lighter circle will surround that, and finally, another reddened circle will surround the lighter circle.

A bullseye rash is rarely itchy or painful and may not always follow this description. It can follow the initial stage of an erythema migrans rash.

Erythema Migrans

In the early stages, erythema migrans rash appears in 70% to 80% of people infected with Lyme disease. The rash will emerge three to 30 days after the tick bite, with an average appearance time of about seven days.

Erythema migrans rash can appear on any part of the body. It will:

• Start at the site of the tick bite
• Slowly expand over several days, growing to 12 inches or larger
• Sometimes have a bump in the center where the tick bite occurred
• Usually develop into a circle or oval shape
• Be warm when touched
• Usually not be itchy or painful

Lyme Disease Rash Variations

Lyme disease rashes do not always follow a specific pattern or appearance. Some of the variations to the classic bullseye or erythema migrans rash include:

• Faint or different coloring (including bluish tones)
• Faint borders
• Different shapes
• Multiple rashes
• Crusted center
  

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Lyme Disease Symptoms

Lyme disease produces more than just a rash. Approximately 50% of people will have flu-like symptoms that develop within a few days or weeks of the infection. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph node(s) around the site of the tick bite
• Chills
• Fever
• Joint pain

Similar Rashes

There are other rashes caused by health conditions or insects that can cause a rash similar to the Lyme disease rash. Below are rashes that are similar to Lyme disease rashes.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin that causes a rash. 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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Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, 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. There are numerous hive triggers, including:

• Mood
• Medications
• Insect bites
• Pollen
• Infections
• Cold weather

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Other Bug Bites

A bug bite can develop a bump and redness resembling a Lyme disease rash.

Those hypersensitive to bug bites may develop a large red rash with a small bump near the center where the bug bite occurred. This can be difficult to differentiate from erythema migrans, except that it will not turn into a bullseye.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Lyme disease is a serious infection that can spread to the heart, nervous system, and joints. It needs to be treated with an antibiotic.

Contact a healthcare provider if you have:

• The signs or symptoms of Lyme disease
• A tick bite if you live in an area known for Lyme disease
• A rash of unknown cause

Keep in mind that some people experience post-treatment symptoms due to Lyme disease. If you have been diagnosed and treated for the infection but still have symptoms, continued care may be needed.

A Word From Verywell

While most tick bites are innocuous, several tick-borne illnesses can occur after a tick bite. It is important to see a doctor if symptoms develop after a tick bite, such as a rash, fever, headache, fatigue, and joint and muscle aches, as these may be signs of an underlying illness.

— BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

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. However, symptoms in some people may not include the classic bullseye rash and Lyme disease can cause rashes of other colors or shapes.

Contact a healthcare provider anytime a tick bite from a Lyme disease-carrying tick (like deer tick) is suspected.