I had Lyme's disease diagnosed about a couple of years ago. I had the classic rash, on my chest, and various of the symptoms. I mistook the rash for ringworm at the time, and unfortunately didn't get antibiotics for around 6 weeks after the bite.
Recently I've been having a strange tingling in my head, with loss of concentration, poor memory, poor working memory, and sometimes a feeling like my vision is blurred (when it isn't). It sounds a lot like what I've read of 'the fog' in later Lyme's disease.
I thought it could be stress or something, but in the last 4 weeks I've developed two ringed rashes on the top surface and side of my wrist (larger one only 2-3cm in diameter). They don't seem to be responding to either antifungal or hydrocortisone cream. So I was hoping if someone might tell me if that sounds at all consistent with a rash you might get with chronic Lyme's Disease. From what I've read these later-stage rashes are completely different from the early EM rash ?
Thanks - Hugh
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
HI Hugh!! I'm not sure what you mean about the rashes being completely different from early rashes. I don't think they are, unless you are referring to ACA.
The main thing is to be re-evaluated for Lyme disease and definitely get treated!!!
Lyme Disease Symptoms List 1. Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing 2. Unexplained weight change--loss or gain 3. Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina 4. Unexplained hair loss 5. Swollen glands: list areas____ 6. Sore throat 7. Testicular pain/pelvic pain 8. Unexplained menstrual irregularity 9. Unexplained milk production: breast pain 10.Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction 11.Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido 12.Upset stomach 13.Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea 14.Chest pain or rib soreness 15.Shortness of breath, cough 16.Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block 17.Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse? 18.Joint pain or swelling: list joints_____________ 19.Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back 20.Muscle pain or cramps 21.Twitching of the face or other muscles 22.Headache 23.Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain 24.Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains 25.Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) 26.Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity 27.Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity 28.lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance 29.Lightheadedness, wooziness 30.Tremor 31.Confusion, difficulty in thinking 32.Diffculty with concentration, reading 33.Forgetfuiness, poor short term memory 34.Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places 35.Difficulty with speech or writing 36.Mood swings, irritability, depression 37.Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening 38.Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
rashes ... check left hand side for photos to compare yours too. take photos using coins or $1 bills showing size of rashes.
hugh, please EDIT MY PROFILE to allow private messages be sent to you. you are in control; you can block anyone you don't want to talk to, etc.
you can PM me by clicking on 2 people standing together icon and ask me to send you my 62 pages of newbie links, advise, symptoms, tests, disability, much more, and TREEPATROL'S archive link of over 1000 sites of good lyme info.
glad you found us! Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
I belive a good way to differentiate between a lyme ring rash (EM)and a ringworm rash is that ringworm almost always itches, and lyme usually doesn't.
Ringworm usually develps in moist or covered areas of the body, and not on exposed areas of the arm.
I have read from many people on this site that they have had nickel to quarter sized rings in late lyme, and saw this in my family as well.
If you have a ring that is not responding to an antifungal...it sounds like lyme. Your other symptoms sound like lyme as well.
It sounds like a god time to post in the seeking a doctor section.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I've heard a lot of people here say that their rashes itched like crazy.
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Yes, I've also heard of multiple ring rashes in late Lyme. Please find a good Lyme doctor for re-treatment.
Posted by Charolette (Member # 13008) on :
Hi Hugh,
My initial infection was most likely in 2000, where I didn't notice any rashes at the time... Since then I'm glad that I thought to photograph them as proof for the years of medical appointments that followed.
Several times since 2000, I have had 'multiple blotchy rashes' (similar to a celiac rash) on my knees; elbows; and chest... and this is listed on the Ontario Lyme Disease Associations brochure as being a 'secondary rash of Lyme Disease'. Still trying to find other sources that refer to this 'secondary' rash...
Another strange rash appeared on both breasts on the nipple/areola area... and this is something that BOTH men and women can get with/without discharge (clear; milky; or bloody). The version of this that happens in prepubescent children is similar to when a pieced ear is infected. In women, this rash and disharge should be a red-flag for any OB/Gyns or fertility specialists to look into Lyme/TBIDs... especially if there has been a recent miscarriage.
When off of abx in late 2006 I had a strange rash I was told as being similar to 'Measels'...
Posted by hughels (Member # 13013) on :
Thanks for all of your replies. I've just posted a new topic ('Is Doxycycline a waste of time for second/third stage Lymes ?'). I've posted it as a new topic because I'd like a quick response. The ringed patches don't seem to be clearing up and I'm going to ask my doctor's advice. Anyway, read the post if you get a chance.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)