Erythema Migrans (EM) Rash
“EM rashes expand slowly over a few days after which they may develop a “bull’s-eye” appearance consisting of a red ring with central clearing. However, EM rashes may take alternative form – solid lesions, blue-purple hues, and crusted or blistering lesions have all been documented. The rash is not painful or pruritic, but may be warm to the the touch. If early localized Lyme Disease is not treated, patients may develop multiple secondary circular rashes as spirochetes disseminate throughout the body.1”
Photo courtesy CDC
Bartonella Rash
A Bartonella rash may present as an unusual streaked rash that resembles “stretch marks” from pregnancy.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rash
The “classic” RMSF rash consists of small, bright red petechial (spotted) lesions and usually does not appear until almost a week after symptom onset.
Photo courtesy CDC
Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
“The rash of STARI is a red, expanding “bull’s-eye” lesion that develops around the site of a lone star tick bite. The rash usually appears within 7 days of tick bite and expands to a diameter of 8 centimeters (3 inches) or more. The rash should not be confused with much smaller areas of redness and discomfort that can occur commonly at the site of any tick bite.2”
Photo courtesy CDC
1“Tickborne Diseases of the United States, A Reference Manual for Health Care Providers, Third Edition,2015,” CDC
2 “https://www.cdc.gov/stari/symptoms/”
Disclaimer: These photos are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose any past or present rashes. Any information presented is not intended to take the place of a consultation with a health care professional.
