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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Itchy Red Rash On Shoulder Indicate Lyme Disease?

I have an itchy red rash on my shoulder that is 1 inch by 1.5 inches, oval in shape. It does not look like a bulls-eye rash but is solid color with a scab in the center. I live in Long Island where Lyme disease is endemic but do not spend much time outdoors. I have no other symptoms. Should i be concerned about Lyme?
Wed, 15 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
You have not mentioned the duration of presence of this lesion. Lyme disease can be transmitted only by a tick bite. The lesion is generally expanding in nature. Lesion may appear after 2wk of bite also. Typically a bulls eye lesion is found but a red solid lesion with white center may also be a possibility. Flu like symptoms like headache, malaise arealso aassociated generally.
Though there is no other symptoms present, the chance of lyme disease can not be overruled as you are in an endemic zone. Moreover there are lot of complications of it if not properly treated. So its recommended to confirm your diagnosis. Though laboratory tests have minimum role serological tests like ELISA or Western blot may be a choice. If diagnosis confirmed, doxycycline has a role in its treatment.
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Does Itchy Red Rash On Shoulder Indicate Lyme Disease?

You have not mentioned the duration of presence of this lesion. Lyme disease can be transmitted only by a tick bite. The lesion is generally expanding in nature. Lesion may appear after 2wk of bite also. Typically a bulls eye lesion is found but a red solid lesion with white center may also be a possibility. Flu like symptoms like headache, malaise arealso aassociated generally. Though there is no other symptoms present, the chance of lyme disease can not be overruled as you are in an endemic zone. Moreover there are lot of complications of it if not properly treated. So its recommended to confirm your diagnosis. Though laboratory tests have minimum role serological tests like ELISA or Western blot may be a choice. If diagnosis confirmed, doxycycline has a role in its treatment.