A month ago he removed a deer tick from his arm. Now he has suddenly, a red rash covering both arms, which then has spread also to his rib cage. It is hot and painful and itches.
I haven't seen pics.
Does this sound like any sort of TBD presentation you've heard of? He's going to doc; I've encouraged him to go to LLMD and get Igenix tests, but LLMDs are in short supply in this area.
Thanks for any leads.
-Sharon
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Another Saturday night.
He should go to the ER immediately. He may require medicine as soon as possible. Lyme is not the only thing this could be - any number of tick-borne infections. The infection could travel to his brain and that is why I suggest immediate medical care.
The ER doctors may not know about lyme (does he live in your area?) . . . but many do and he can insist on treatment.
He might try to call someone with his local lyme support group and ask which ER or Urgent Care may have the best track record with this sort of thing but if he gets no answer, I'd hop along to the ER.
I assume he's not just been in contact with anything else that could have brought the rash but, if so, be sure to consider that just in case. Plants or medicine . . . new food . . . even new clothes or new laundry detergent or personal care products.
ONLY if he is given good antibiotics should he even consider steroids if they offer. Abx should come first, best if 48 hours prior but sometimes a rash can become life threatening and steroids may be required. If not life-threatening, avoid steroids and even steroid topical lotions.
He should take pictures after he sees a doctor and returns home.
Scroll down to the lower left menu - green background and you can see photos various rashes: