Erythema migrans

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Erythema Migrans

Erythema migrans (pronounced: eh-RITH-eh-muh MY-granz) is a medical term that refers to a specific type of skin rash. It is often associated with Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Etymology

The term "erythema migrans" originates from the Greek words "erythros" meaning red and "migrans" meaning migrating. This is in reference to the characteristic appearance of the rash, which often starts as a small red spot that expands over time, often creating a bull's-eye pattern.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of erythema migrans is a red, expanding rash that often appears 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. The rash typically begins at the site of the tick bite and expands outward, often creating a pattern that looks like a bull's-eye. It is usually not itchy or painful. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of erythema migrans is typically based on the characteristic appearance of the rash in a person who has been in an area known to have ticks that carry Borrelia burgdorferi. Blood tests are not usually helpful in the early stages of the disease but may be used to confirm a diagnosis if the rash is not present.

Treatment

Treatment for erythema migrans typically involves antibiotics to kill the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Early treatment is important to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body, which can cause more serious symptoms.

Related Terms

  • Lyme disease: A tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
  • Borrelia burgdorferi: The bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
  • Tick: A small arachnid that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski