Erythema Chronicum Migrans
Mentor, 2006 See article at www.patient.co.uk
Erythema Chronicum Migrans PatientPlus articles are written for doctors and so the language can be technical. However, some people find that they add depth to the articles found in the other sections of this website which are written for non-medical people. Erythema Chronicum Migrans Characteristic clinical feature of occurring in approximately 90% patients infected with Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted to humans by the bite of from the genius Ixodes. Epidemiology Lyme disease occurs in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. In some countries of Europe, the incidence of Lyme disease has been estimated to be over 100 per 100,000 people a year. Presentation The characteristic manifestation of early Lyme disease (stage 1) is erythema migrans: a circular rash at the site of the infectious tick attachment that radiates from the bite, within 2 - 40 days. It expands over a period of days to weeks in 80-90% of people with Lyme disease. Pyrexia, arthritis, musculoskeletal symptoms and local may occur. Starts as a red macule or papule at the site of the tic bite after a 7-10 day delay. Expands over days to weeks and central clearing may or may not occur. Associated with other symptoms of infection including fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, regional lymphadenopathy. Also associated with carditis, neurological disease, arthritis, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (swollen, bluish-red skin lesion on a distal extremity). Differential Diagnosis Local tic bite reactions Plant . Investigations Culture and serology if necessary for diagnosis. Management Although the rash will resolve spontaneously, antibiotics hasten resolution and help prevent progression to lyme disease: is the antibacterial of choice for early Lyme disease , cefuroxime or azithromycin are alternatives if doxycycline is contra-indicated Intravenous cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, or benzylpenicillin is recommended for Lyme disease associated with moderate to severe cardiac or neurological abnormalities, late Lyme disease, and Lyme arthritis The duration of treatment is generally 2-4 weeks; Lyme arthritis requires longer treatment with oral antibacterial drugs Prevention Avoid exposure to tick bites. Document References ; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. London. Internet and Further Reading Acknowledgements EMIS is grateful to Dr Colin Tidy for writing this article. The final copy has passed scrutiny by the independent Mentor GP reviewing team. ©EMIS 2007. DocID: 957 Document Version: 20 DocRef: bgp1005 Last Updated: 18 Sep 2006 Review Date: 17 Sep 2008 Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK. Related pages in Patient UK Your Experience about this condition Other - Useful resources Medical Equipment Products Books Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site (default) or to search on the internet. Web www.patient.co.uk Customise Google Search Customise to include Patient UK - to find out how Would you like to try our advanced on-line knowledge support system designed to provide professionals with relevant up to date information about recognition and management of disease or take the ? Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK. PS - Health and Poverty Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as . See also for details and links to campaigns against poverty. Comprehensive, free, up-to-date health information as provided by GPs to patients during consultations Search our site Or browse Related to this topic: | | | | Print options: Other options: ( ) How can I the quality of health information? | | | | | | | | © and Patient Information Publications 1997-2008
