Tickpedia
Removal · field guidance

Recognizing erythema migrans (early classic)

The classic erythema migrans rash is an expanding red patch 5+ cm across, often with central clearing, appearing 3-30 days after the bite.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo
  1. 01
    Watch the bite site and the rest of your skin for 3-30 days after a known or suspected bite.
  2. 02
    EM typically starts as a small red spot and expands over days to at least 5 cm.
  3. 03
    The classic 'bullseye' has central clearing, but only about a third of EMs look that way.
  4. 04
    The rash is usually warm, not painful or itchy.
  5. 05
    Photograph it with a coin for scale and outline the edge daily; expansion across days is the diagnostic feature.
  6. 06
    EM in an endemic area is enough to start treatment without serology.

Wild facts

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