Course of disease

It is a local early manifestation of Lyme disease, which often remains the only symptom of the disease. It is an expression of the reaction of the immune system to the borrelia pathogen which has entered from outside. Also in the early stage of Lyme disease, a swelling of lymph nodes can occur, this is called lymphadenosis cutis benigna If Lyme disease is not treated in the early stages and the body’s own immune system does not manage to eliminate the pathogen, the pathogen can spread This is called acute disseminated infection.

Various organ systems can be affected by the infection, such as nerves, meninges or the heart muscle. If no therapy is initiated at this stage either, the pathogen can persist in the body for months or years and attack different organ systems, thus imitating a variety of diseases, which often makes diagnosis difficult. This often leads to so-called Lyme arthritis, in which the pathogen often attacks large joints such as the knee, resulting in intermittent joint pain. A dermatological or neurological manifestation is also possible. In theory, any organ can be affected by the pathogen.

Travelling blush gets bigger despite antibiotics – what to do?

If the skin manifestation spreads despite antibiotic therapy, this can have various causes. One possible one would be that the pathogen has a resistance to the chosen antibiotic. This can be counteracted by changing the antibiotic.

In any case, it should be clarified whether there is actually a migratory flush or whether the skin condition is possibly a different disease. Especially if no tick bite is recalled, the diagnosis should be questioned. In this case a doctor should be consulted.

When to see the doctor?

If the affected person can remember a tick bite and if there is a circular reddening in the area of the bite, a doctor should always be consulted. The spread of the pathogen should be prevented, as this can lead to severe organ damage. If no tick infestation can be remembered and such a reddening occurs, a doctor should also be consulted, who can then make a decision based on the medical history and appearance of the reddening. Since such a reddening of the skin can also be a symptom of, for example, another infection, a visit to a doctor is recommended in any case.

How do I distinguish a wandering flush from eczema/allergy?

There are numerous diseases that lead to dermatological symptoms and can be similar in form. The most decisive indication of a wandering blush is the memory of a tick bite. The erythema that develops as a result is usually painless and does not itch.

If, for example, there is an allergy-induced redness, it is usually accompanied by severe itching. The affected area appears rather swollen, quaddelartig and pulsates if necessary, which is not the case with the wandering redness. The best way to determine whether an allergy is present is by contact with an allergen.