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Is The Purplish Swelling Related To Lyme Disease?
Hello,
My son is 12 years old and recently went camping. A tick was found on his lower left leg/ankle area and was quickly removed by the scoutmaster. This was about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I noticed a small target rash, but on his right thigh, not at the tick spot. It is very small and fading. Also there is a small purplish bump at the sight of the tick bite. Should I be concerned about Lyme disease or something?
My son is 12 years old and recently went camping. A tick was found on his lower left leg/ankle area and was quickly removed by the scoutmaster. This was about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I noticed a small target rash, but on his right thigh, not at the tick spot. It is very small and fading. Also there is a small purplish bump at the sight of the tick bite. Should I be concerned about Lyme disease or something?
Thu, 7 May 2015
Hello, this is Dr. Gidoiu
The bulls eye rash is typically seen at the tick bite site. The purplish bump at the tick bite might be an inflammatory reaction to the mouth parts of the tick left in the leg.
Lyme disease is only a concern if the tick was attached for a longer period of time.
Typical signs of Lyme disease are: fever, headache, and feeling tired. If untreated, symptoms may progress to joint pains, severe headaches. Your son is not experiencing any of these symptoms. I would not be worried about Lyme disease.
The type of tick that transmits Lyme disease must feed for at least 36 hours before transmission of the spirochete, causing infection. So if the scount master quickly removed the tick, there is no chance of Lyme disease.
But i dont see the patient in front of me, and i dont have pictures. Therefore i cant be sure. I advise to still visit your doctor.
The bulls eye rash is typically seen at the tick bite site. The purplish bump at the tick bite might be an inflammatory reaction to the mouth parts of the tick left in the leg.
Lyme disease is only a concern if the tick was attached for a longer period of time.
Typical signs of Lyme disease are: fever, headache, and feeling tired. If untreated, symptoms may progress to joint pains, severe headaches. Your son is not experiencing any of these symptoms. I would not be worried about Lyme disease.
The type of tick that transmits Lyme disease must feed for at least 36 hours before transmission of the spirochete, causing infection. So if the scount master quickly removed the tick, there is no chance of Lyme disease.
But i dont see the patient in front of me, and i dont have pictures. Therefore i cant be sure. I advise to still visit your doctor.
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