Expanding red rash after a tick bite

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Expanding red rash after a tick bite

The rash is a flat, round patch that is usually about across but can be much larger. The rash will gradually increase in size over a few days. As it does, the center of the patch where the tick was attached may become lighter in color, while the outer edge stays bright red. This makes the rash look like a bull's-eye.

One cause of an expanding red rash is Lyme disease.

The rash usually develops within 1 to 4 weeks after a tick bite. The average length of time before the rash appears is 10 days.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	January 17, 2008

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Last updated:	January 17, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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