EM rashes

Lyme Rashes

EM (Erythema Migrans) and More

The primary symptom physicians are having is the diagnosis of the famous EM (Bull's eye rash). Biggest hurdle is the very nickname that they have been given.

I have heard of cases going to biopsy to clarify the diagnoses of Lyme. Even many dermatologists are confused and bewildered by the multiple presentations of the EM rash.

Besides the general appearance of the EM there is the ongoing controversy about how frequently and common it is for any rash to appear during an infection. Many statistics have suggested that 70-80% of those who have been exposed to the Lyme bacteria (Bb) will present with a rash. Like the Elisa test, our bodies’ immune systems are the deciding factor. Every individual’s immune system has its own strengths and weaknesses. With today's high level of public interaction we are exposed to so many viruses and parasites as well as a multitude of bacteria every day. These environmental factors in combination with GMO, pesticides and other environmental toxins, and poor lifestyle choices of most people have a limiting effect on the body’s ability to respond to threats, both real and perceived (Autoimmunity Diseases) and have our first line response systems all out of whack.

How then can we rely on either a testing system or visual cues of a biological function that isn't reliable?

Testing methods are evolving and science is making advancements in isolating bacterium in other tissue and bodily secretion such as urine, synovial and reproductive fluids. More testing looking for the presence of the bacteria and not the body’s response is needed. See more

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The Many Faces of Solitary and Multiple Erythema Migrans

We conclude that EM is commonly underdiagnosed even in endemic areas. The multifaceted appearance of both SEM and MEM, combined with the fact that most patients do not recall having a tick bite, can cause difficulties in diagnosing LB in primary healthcare. In addition, the high percentage of seronegativity at the initial stage may be misleading. In this Finnish cohort of highly selected patients with PCR-confirmed LB presenting with clinically atypical SEM or MEM, more than half of the patients were not diagnosed for LB before arrival to the Department of Dermatology. This is important, since LB should be treated early, and since inadequate antimicrobial treatment might initially cause an atypical clinical picture that makes diagnosis more difficult. MEM might appear more frequently in Europe (8) than previously thought. It is likely that LB will become endemic in several parts of the world, because of climate changes that are favourable for ticks and their host animals (37). Therefore, it is important that physicians are aware of tick-borne diseases. Prospective research should be performed in order to determine whether patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases need different treatment for LB. more