Removal · field guidance

Recognizing atypical / non-bullseye EM

Most erythema migrans rashes are uniformly red without a bullseye; do not wait for a textbook ring before seeking care.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Many EMs are solid red, oval, or blue-bruise-like rather than ringed.
02
On darker skin, EM may look bruise-purple or barely change color; trust expansion, not redness.
03
Look for size: any expanding patch reaching 5 cm in an endemic area should be evaluated.
04
Atypical features (vesicles in the center, central darkening) are still consistent with EM.
05
Photograph daily and bring the series; a still image of an atypical EM is often inconclusive without time-course context.

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