Bull's Eye Rash of Lyme Disease

[n1person]

Recently I had Lyme disease and had perhaps the most stereotypical bull's eye rash ever. All medical people I met wanted to see it, and called their friends/coworkers over, took pictures, etc.

But the rash still has me confused about the biology of it. The shape itself doesn't seem to make biological sense to me; why is there a white ring that is unaffected by whatever bacteria is there? Why does the rash occur at a different place than the tick bite?

Thanks for your help!

 

[AyazM]

This is erythema chronicum migrans. I knew of the reason for that bulls-eye appearance but now that I have forgotten, I can't seem to find on internet where I read it.

Can some dermatologist, or microbiologist help us here find the reason?

 

[quicknote]

I can understand your curiosity about the bull's eye rash associated with Lyme disease. While the rash is a classic symptom of the disease, its exact mechanism is not fully understood. It is believed that the white ring in the center of the rash is caused by an immune response to the bacteria, resulting in the destruction of the skin cells in that area. This creates a lighter, more translucent appearance compared to the surrounding redness.

As for the location of the rash, it is important to note that not all individuals with Lyme disease will develop a bull's eye rash, and even those who do may have it in different locations on their body. This is because the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can spread through the bloodstream and affect various organs and tissues. It is possible that the bacteria may affect the skin in different areas, resulting in the rash appearing in different locations.

It is also worth mentioning that the bull's eye rash is not the only symptom of Lyme disease, and it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have been infected. Early detection and treatment can prevent more severe symptoms from developing. Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope this explanation helps to clarify the biology of the bull's eye rash.