What Could Cause An Inflamed Bump And Blisters Like Rashes After Finding A Tick At My Armpit?

Posted on Thu, 22 Feb 2024

Question: I discovered a very small tick, embedded in an inflamed bump, in my armpit. There is a blistery rash about the size of a small saucer below the bite site on the side of my breast. The rash is irregular, but rather solid in shape, with a raised texture. Blistery. The rash was present when I removed the tick. After I removed the tick the bump where it was located swelled and blistered up. It has since gone down some. This rash hurts more that it itches. I have had breast cancer in the past and that breast is completely reconstructed with most of the lymph nodes removed. I believe this tick was present for about a day before it was discovered, but cant be sure.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lyme disease, need to initiate antibiotic therapy

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for trusting us for your health concern

Tick bite followed by the development of rash is concerning for Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick. And the rash you developed is called erythema migrans. Early initiation of antibiotics will clear up the infection and help fast recovery .
Amoxicillin 500 mg thrice daily for 21 days is the recommended antibiotic therapy. So please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider. If the rash hurts too much, you can take Tylenol to reduce pain. Once antibiotic in started, the rash will completely go away.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T