Several of the diseases ticks pass to humans may cause a rash or craterlike sore (ulcer). Usually flulike symptoms (such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a general feeling of illness) occur before or at the same time as the rash or craterlike sore. Tick bite diseases that may occur with a rash or craterlike sore include:
- Ehrlichiosis. A rash develops in about 20% to 40% of cases. The rash may be red with raised bumps (maculopapules) or tiny purple or red spots (petechiae).
- Lyme disease. An expanding red rash may occur with Lyme disease.
- Relapsing fever. A rash develops in up to 50% of cases. The rash may be a red rash with raised bumps (maculopapules) or tiny purple or red spots (petechiae).
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever. A rash develops in 85% to 95% of cases. The rash often starts on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, then spreads to the arms and legs and the rest of the body.
- Tularemia. In about 80% of cases, an open sore develops at the site of the bite.
A health professional can evaluate the cause of your rash or sore and recommend treatment.
Credits
| 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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