Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Rashes On Side Of Neck And Elbow
Question: I was doing my daily walk in a park when all of a sudden I felt a bite by the right side of my neck. I slapped away and continued walking. Approximately 2 months later between my neck and right shoulder, I develop a round rash and the middle was clear skin and a slight rash on the inside of my elbow in both hands. I put Neosporin on the rashes for approximately 2 weeks but it didn't help. So I went to the dermatologist on May 15, and she prescribed Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream. Since it's a steroid, she told me to put it on 2 times a day for 2 weeks and decrease it to every other day for the following two weeks. If the rash persisted, I was to see her again. The rashes went away. Approximately two weeks ago I started developing some lumps in my left hand between my elbow and wrist. After doing research, could I have been biten by a tick and have lyme disease? What should I do???
Brief Answer:
Lyme disease is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Most tick bites don't lead to any disease such as Lyme. Quick removal of a tick, washing the site of bite. Observation for development of any flu-like illness should be done subsequently. Based on your description, Lyme Disease is a possibility and should be looked for. The classic bulls eye rash presents at the site of the tick bite between three to 30 days. ELISA test initially and if positive confirmation by Western blot and PCR can be done in consultation with your doctor. Treatment can also be started empirically especially if Lyme is evident clinically. Doxycycline, or cefuroxime are antibiotics that can be advised in consultation with your doctor. The lumps could be due to reactive lymphadenopathy associated with the bite. If it persists despite completion of treatment or beyond a month then a biopsy can be advised to determine their true nature.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Lyme disease is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Most tick bites don't lead to any disease such as Lyme. Quick removal of a tick, washing the site of bite. Observation for development of any flu-like illness should be done subsequently. Based on your description, Lyme Disease is a possibility and should be looked for. The classic bulls eye rash presents at the site of the tick bite between three to 30 days. ELISA test initially and if positive confirmation by Western blot and PCR can be done in consultation with your doctor. Treatment can also be started empirically especially if Lyme is evident clinically. Doxycycline, or cefuroxime are antibiotics that can be advised in consultation with your doctor. The lumps could be due to reactive lymphadenopathy associated with the bite. If it persists despite completion of treatment or beyond a month then a biopsy can be advised to determine their true nature.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
