Anyone know how long a bullseye rash usually lasts? I have an atypical rash that my PCP thinks is a bullseye, I am on antibiotics for it already, hoping a timeframe might help me determine what it actually is, obviously we can't be completely sure its a bullseye/lyme/TBI's.
I have had it for 5 days and it is fading but still there. Would a bullseye be fading this quickly?
Thanks. Any bullseye rash resources would be helpful.
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
I don't know the answer to your question but here is the best website for all skin manifestations of Lyme and company. Photos included.
I think it can be there for weeks. Many draw a ring around it and watch to see if it grows.
circle it now!
Also .. check the archives here.
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
Thank you Bartenderbonnie, such a great resource, loads of information, excellent photos.
Great idea Lymetoo. I have been keeping an eye on the size, it has stayed the same. Good to know it can hang around for weeks.
I think my PCP was being extra cautious and maybe its not an EM rash. I practically wear tick spray in the house and we have not had any on our dog, family etc.. the entire summer, fortunately.
Not sure how I will proceed. My llmd said it could be but no way to know because its not a classic bullseye by any means. I keep reminding myself that if the abx kill any bugs that are hanging around from the TBI's I've had in the past, its not a horrible thing!
Thanks again!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- A Bb rash does not have to look like a bulls eye. Of course, it could be due to other reasons, just know that there is no one shape or size or time of a BB rash, though.
A Bb rash can also appear at times other than just after a bite, for someone with lyme / chronic / persistent / late treated lyme. Also consider skin effects of coinfections.
And, you might want to check your blood glucose reading to be sure they are not high. High glucose can cause various kinds of skin eruptions.
Let's Not Be Rash About Erythema Migrans - May 24, 2012
In comment section:
Pam Weintraub - May 26, 2012
If you are doing a rash wrap-up, do not forget Ben Luft's finding that only four of 20 strains cause disseminated disease;
the other 16 are rash-only For various reasons --imo on both sides, political-- no one brings this up.
It means that fewer cases of Lyme actually disseminate (reasons why activists may not mention) but it also means that of those cases that DO disseminate, much more of early Lyme is actually a treatment failure (reason IDSA types may not mention.)
It is a fact that helps no one win their political fight, but it is so important for patients to understand this.
Pam Weintraub, Cure Unknown
SEVERAL MORE COMMENTS HERE BY PAM, SCROLL DOWN . . . and see the author's replies to her, too. Lots here. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Be sure to take photos and save them. Put something like a clean quarter or ruler next to the rash for perspective. And date the changes you make as well.
I would not draw on your skin. The ink could cause you trouble. -
Posted by MissVictoria (Member # 45232) on :
The length of time a bull's eye lasts is different for everyone. Mine showed up hours after I was bitten, was there for a day, then it had expanded on the second day, and on the third day, it was gone. You may want to take a picture so you can show your doctor.
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
Great thoughts Keebler and MissVictoria, thank you very much!
Posted by lightfoot (Member # 2536) on :
Greetings from a bullseye queen.....
I have had several at various times: During antibiotic treatment, during treatment breaks etc. Some have been faint others blatant BUT there was no mistaking them. A couple faint ones faded in a few days and the darker ones lingered for a few weeks.
There are studies which prove that a bullseye can appear ANYTIME (I can't point you to that info as it was a long time ago). I also wonder if I've had others that I didn't notice due to placement on the body. Over these many years I have just simply figured the infection was active at the time.
Pictures are great but it's best to get medical confirmation and have them take pictures so it goes in your record and file. The reason I say this is I had a well known LLMD who was skeptical of the pictures I brought. His reluctance was he did not witness it!!!! It blew my mind!!!!!
The blood and urine collected at that appointment yielded a positive PCR for Lyme.
IMHO I would be safe rather than sorry.
PS I have had chronic Lyme/co for 60 years finally diagnosed twenty years ago. My bullseyes were all in the last 20 years.
Good luck!!!!!
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
Thank you Lightfoot for your insight and I am sorry you are the bullseye queen but hey, if you can help someone else with your queen status, its not so bad, right?
The rash lasted 7 days. As much as I have absolutely no idea how I would have gotten a tick bite, I am beyond cautious, I have no idea what other oval, spotty, 4-5 inch rash that is flat and doesn't itch, would last that long.